We’ve been working through some basic funeral tips and etiquette over the past few months here on the blog. Today, we dive into cemetery dos and don’ts. As with any event related to end-of-life, respect is critical.
First and probably the simplest preparation you can do is to take a moment to check out the website of the site you’ll be visiting. For instance, at the Park, we have a website page dedicated to rules and regulations. Once you are on site, be sure to follow posted rules. Often these postings will note visiting hours, flower placement rules or simply be your guide to staying in the areas designated for visitors.
While attending a ceremony at a cemetery, be sure to keep conversation to a minimum, avoid any disruptive behavior and move children to the back of the setting if they are having a difficult time. Find ways to be helpful to the grieving family where possible.
When visiting a cemetery for reasons outside of a ceremony, be respectful of other people’s personal space. Do not accidentally or intentionally interrupt a person’s mourning or contemplative reflection. If a ceremony is in progress in the cemetery, keep a reasonable distance to allow for privacy.
Another seemingly simple, but important guideline is to leave the cemetery the way you found it. Do not leave trash and avoid actions that could damage the grounds.
Some community cemeteries like Toledo Memorial Park offer events and other uses of the facilities such as maps for walking and running. You are encouraged to take advantage of these offerings, but please remember the above etiquette suggestions still apply.
By acting in a respectful manner while visiting a cemetery you are helping to keep the facilities beautiful, peaceful and functional for everyone who uses them.