A cemetery is a space where people go to pay respect to their loved ones, self-reflect, or honour the deceased. So, everyone who visits a cemetery should remain respectful to uphold a peaceful environment. But what is the etiquette for visiting a cemetery?
When visiting a cemetery, you should always check and comply with cemetery rules and guidelines. You should remain quiet, stay on designated pathways, and clean up after yourself. Don’t leave any item without permission, and don’t take photos of anyone or any graves without asking. If you bring a pet, keep it on a leash and clean up after it.
In this article, we’ll go over things to do and avoid in a cemetery. We’ll also recommend some good practices that you should try the next time you decide to visit your local cemetery.
5 Things To Do
While visiting a cemetery, you should do these 5 things:
Follow Cemetery Rules And Guidelines
It may seem like a no-brainer, but every cemetery has its set of rules and guidelines for visitors. Most often, these rules include visiting hours, items and flower restrictions, and regulations on decorations.
For example, Bakerview Memorial Cemetery does not allow visitors to plant flowers on graves. But you’re allowed to leave flowers in vases near graves after consulting the staff. Most of these regulations are there to make maintaining the cemetery feasible.
So, when you consider visiting a cemetery, you should review its rules and regulations before entering. Try to review them online or contact the cemetery staff. And don’t hesitate to consult the staff if you’re confused about anything.
Maintain A Quiet And Solemn Demeanor
Cemeteries are spaces for the grieving to mourn and reflect. Keep your conversations hushed, and silence any electronic devices. Avoid making any loud noises like playing music or talking on the phone loudly.
If you’re visiting a cemetery with children, instruct them to behave quietly. Keep a close eye on them. Try to walk at a steady, slow pace and talk in hushed voices. This will help maintain the tranquil atmosphere.
Stay On Designated Pathways
Stick to market pathways during your visit. If you wish to approach a grave, do so carefully. Walk between the headstones instead of stepping over them.
In older cemeteries, be careful about what you touch. Older monuments can be fragile or unstable. Walking over them, leaning on them, or touching them may damage them.
Leave No Trace Of Your Visit
When visiting a cemetery, you should always take whatever you’ve brought back with you. If you’ve brought flowers or mementos, ensure that you’re allowed to leave them. If you’ve brought food or other disposable items, gather up the trash once you’re done and dispose of them.
Try to bring biodegradable items with you to reduce cleanup and environmental impact. Instead of plastic decorations, consider bringing natural flowers, and wooden crosses.
Be Mindful Of Others
While at the cemetery, pay attention to others so you don’t disturb them. When a funeral or memorial service is taking place, avoid lingering around there. Try to mute your electronic devices and make less noise.
Similarly, if someone is grieving at a gravesite, respect their privacy. Do not approach them or attempt to take pictures. If you wish to observe any religious or cultural practices, then do so quietly and after obtaining permission.
Every cemetery has different regulations. Always check what they allow and expect from you before you visit. Now, let’s take a look at what is considered disrespectful in a cemetery.
5 Things Not To Do
As a visitor, it’s easy to forget that there are some things that you should never do in a cemetery. Some are disrespectful, and some cause the staff to work extra hard. Here are 5 things that you should never do in a cemetery:
Don’t Touch Or Disturb Burial Sites
Burial sites, headstones, statues, and other memorials are sacred. Do not lean on them, rub on the inscriptions, or try to write anything of your own. Do not rearrange any items left on graves by others. If there are flowers, coins, or other personal items on the grave, leave them be.
Avoid Being Loud Or Disruptive
Cemeteries are quiet spaces, and sound carries pretty far. The atmosphere may not be sombre, but it is respectful. Try not to laugh, shout, or play music. You may have casual conversations, but try to limit it.
If you are visiting a cemetery in a group, remind everyone to speak softly and avoid blocking pathways. Ensure that everyone knows which areas require absolute silence.
Don’t Intrude On Private Moments
Don’t take photos of strangers, especially while they are in grief. Avoid taking images of funerals as well. Never intrude upon anyone’s quiet reflection to ask questions, or offer any unsolicited advice. Give them the space they need to process the grief.
If you are taking photos of people, locations, or graves, always ask for permission. Never take any pictures of any faces and avoid names on the tombstone. Don’t use flash.
Don’t Litter
Cemeteries don’t allow items such as glass vases, alcohol, or permanent decorations as they can cause hazards. Before visiting a cemetery, learn about what items are not allowed. Try to not leave any items that may break and cause accidents, and don’t litter.
Don’t Let Your Pets Loose
Some cemeteries may allow you to bring your pets, which Bakerview does. Even if you think your pet is well-behaved, you should not let them off the leash. Don’t let them go near graves. Always clean up after them, as leaving excrement behind is considered extremely disrespectful.
Aside from these, you should also pay attention to some other factors. Teach children to behave respectfully if you bring them. If you unintentionally intrude upon someone’s space, try to read their mood and respect it.
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. Beautiful Design Meets Abundant Space.
At Bakerview Memorial Cemetery, we value the privacy and psychological needs of every visitor. Our grounds are meticulously designed to provide you with the comfort and privacy you need to mourn. Overcoming negative emotions can be challenging, but you deserve support rather than having to face that struggle alone.
With thoughtfully designed, abundant space, we offer families burial options for generations to come. And with burial options starting from $300 a month, you’ll hardly find a better offer in any cemetery in the lower mainland. So, when you consider visiting a cemetery, give us a call at (604) 856-0330 and get a free tour of the grounds.
Conclusion
Cemeteries are spaces that demand respect and silence. It’s a space designed for people to find catharsis and heal from trauma. Remain respectful of their plight, and behave accordingly. Most importantly, experience the cemetery in quiet solitude.
Published: February 16, 2025
