Proper Cemetery Etiquette

Funeral homes Pennsburg, PA, play an essential role. Cemeteries are filled with people that remind us of our lost loved one. We visit them to pay our tribute, to remember them, and to honor their memory. And so, it is a place that demands the utmost level of respect from the visitors. 

If you’re visiting a cemetery for the first time and not sure about the best cemetery etiquettes, then look no further. Just bear in mind the below set of guidance to ensure a courteous and peaceful experience for yourself and other visitors. 

1. Follow Cemetery’s Rules and Regulations 

The first every visitor should bear in mind is respecting and following the rules of the cemetery. Most cemeteries have a board posted near the entrance which lists all the rules and regulations specific to the visiting area. 

Read the guidelines carefully and do your best to follow every single rule like where to sit or stand, where to park your car or decorations on the graves. 

2. Speak in Lower Tone 

If you need to talk to others, do so in a low voice or hushed tone. Don’t garner unnecessary attention by talking loudly or laughing. That’s against the decorum of a cemetery. Also, don’t abuse or use slang like f*CK in your conversation. 

3. Visit During Hours 

Follow the visit timing of the cemetery. Most cemeteries are open from dawn till dusk. Schedule your visit during the allowed timing to avoid being charged with trespassing. 

4. Show Utmost Respect to all Graves 

Avoid touching any monument or headstone as it can be perceived as a sign of being disrespectful and can damage the graves as well- especially the older ones. Don’t try to remove flowers, coins, or anything else placed on the grave to clean it. The families deliberately leave these tributes to pay homage to the deceased. 

5. Avoid Using Mobile Phones Constantly 

Silence your mobile or other electronic devices before entering the cemetery. If you have to take an urgent call, speak in as low a tone as possible as there may be a funeral in progress. 

6. Don’t be a Photographer 

Don’t take photos of other graves or people you don’t know. Show utmost respect to both the deceased and the attendees present in the cemetery. 

7. Avoid Littering or Leaving Rubbish Behind 

Don’t litter as it puts an extra burden on the caretakers and is also a sign of being disrespectful. Use designated receptacles to dispose of your garbage. It’s a thoughtful idea to pick up any litter or trash on the way back to your car. 

8. Give Privacy to Other Visitors 

If any funeral is in process, give privacy to the attendees and take care not to come in the way of the procession. Avoid talking to other visitors too loud. You can always nod and smile if the other person looks at you without saying hello. But if someone approaches you for saying something, then have a little conversation in low tone. Find out more information at  funeral homes Pennsburg, PA.