Cemeteries: places of remembrance with a rich history
Deriving its roots from the Greek word koimeterion or from the Latin coemeterium, which means “place where one sleeps”, the term cemetery designates a place dedicated to the burial of the deceased, whose location is identified by tombstones.
These solemn places for meditation have a rich history and have fueled the imagination of many people, as evidenced by numerous movies and legends. Crématorium Montréal therefore invites you to discover some of the many facets of cemeteries!
The origins of cemeteries
In the Western world, the first cemeteries appeared in the Middle Ages and were usually located near a place of worship, bringing together the dead and the living, so that the faithful could pray for their ancestors. Cemeteries differ from the burial grounds of prehistoric times, which consisted of unmarked graves, as well as from ancient necropolises, such as those of the pharaohs, which were located outside cities. Interestingly, the Law of the Twelve Tables of the ancient Roman Empire prohibited the burial of the dead in cities for hygienic reasons.
With the rise of Christianity, under the empire of Charlemagne, the cremation of the dead—a practice considered pagan—was rejected in order to give the dead a burial place (a grave):a rite more in keeping with the concept of resurrection of the dead. The cemeteries as we know them today really appeared around the 10th or 11th century.
Witnesses to our history
In Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, there are several types of cemeteries, reflecting different parts of our history. The first explorers were often buried in undifferentiated cemeteries, punctuated by wooden crosses.
Later, early settlers in rural areas were buried in small family plots—now abandoned—with up to twenty graves. In the small villages, there were cemeteries adjacent to the chapels, which are mostly unused today.
Nowadays, the dead are generally buried in urban cemeteries. Canadians who served in the Armed Forces may be laid to rest in the Canadian War Cemeteries, which are listed here.
Cemeteries of any kind are always peaceful and serene, especially when they are located in a natural setting, near water or in large green spaces. Most cemeteries built in the last century have pathways and arched walkways, demonstrating the growing concern for making cemeteries pleasant places of commemoration.
Cemetery or columbarium?
When cremation is chosen, the urn may be buried in a cemetery or stored in a columbarium. Although they are not built in natural surroundings, columbariums offer the advantage of being able to pay one’s respects or go there and meditate at any time of the day, protected from the elements.
While burial is permanent and costs are paid only once for the plot and burial, the space in the columbarium must be rented for a set period of time, at the end of which the estate may choose to renew the rental, keep the urn or bury it.
Cemeteries in popular culture
Many horror films have used cemeteries to portray their characters, such as Pet Sematary and Beetlejuice. Some places are the subject of incredible legends, such as the Stull cemetery in Kansas, in which a passageway to the gates of Hell is said to open. It was even made into a movie!
If you would you like to know the address or contact information of a particular cemetery, the cimetieresduquebec.ca website lists all the cemeteries in Quebec. Or ask one of our advisors at Crématorium Montréal to help you. We partner with other cemeteries for the burial of your deceased’s ashes.
READ MOREMy Souvenir Album
It is often said that it is important to live in the moment, because projecting into the future can create anxiety, while dwelling on the past leads to regret. This doesn’t mean that we should neglect remembering the happy moments of our lives! In fact, positive memories build our self-esteem and are an essential part of building healthy relationships with those around us. Good memories can even improve our perception of the present!
Making a photo album is the best way to immortalize our memories. You may have neglected this activity ever since digital photography became popular, but here are a few points from Crématorium Montréal that will help you reconnect with this tradition.
Why make a souvenir album?
Immortalizing your memories in the form of a photo album enables you to leave a trace of your past, to share it with your loved ones and to leave a legacy to your family.
It is also a way to remember happy moments spent with the people you love. Your parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents will be happy to tell you the stories behind each photo!
A souvenir album provides an opportunity to share the emotions you experienced at the time the pictures were taken. It’s impossible to remain unmoved when looking at a photo of your child’s first steps, an outstanding outing with friends or the 40th wedding anniversary of your parents who are still in love today!
Digital versus print
In answer to the essential question: should you choose a digital photo album or a printed one, both have their advantages and disadvantages. The printed album enables you to have a tangible object and really makes your memories come alive. The scrapbooking album also gives you a chance to be creative by adding your personal notes and memories, such as plane or show tickets, a child’s drawing or a brochure of a place you visited.
If you don’t have time for scrapbooking or if you find it too expensive to print photos, you can simply print your photos in the form of a digital album. All you have to do is choose your photos and the format of the album. The web interface takes care of the rest! Alternatively, you can print a few and store them in a nice wooden box or case. No matter which option you choose, the main thing is to carry on the tradition of passing on your memories!
Bringing images to life
If you don’t make a printed photo album, it’s still fun to print a few photos to frame and display in your home. It’s a simple way to personalize your home and make it cozier.
Plus, photos bring your happy memories to life and keep your loved ones in your memory, even if they have passed away. A nice frame, a photo montage or a personalized souvenir album are also excellent gifts for your relatives and friends.
A unifying activity
If making your own photo album seems overwhelming, you can turn it into a family activity by inviting a few family members to take part in the task. A great way to create memories is to search through your best memories!
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