A cemetery is a place (usually an enclosed area of land) to which dead bodies are brought (usually with hearses) and buried. A cemetery is normally used for human burials but in recent times special cemeteries have been created for the bodies of such animals as dogs, cats and horses.
A cemetery is a place where the ceremonials of death are observed, with different rites and practices across cultures and religions. It is usually a respected area. It often includes churches, other religious buildings or a crematorium for the burning of the dead. In a crematorium the body of the deceased is reduced to ashes, which are then either scattered across the ground or kept in a casket by the relatives.
The violation of the graves or buildings is usually considered a very serious crime and punishments are often severe.
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2 Cemeteries for pets 3 Cemeteries and superstition 4 Elephants' cemeteries 5 Related articles 6 External links |
Many places have been found where ancient people buried their dead. These places could be an organised necropolis or they could be simple areas with highly symbolic elements around (like the Tomb of Giants in Sardinia). The Egyptian pyramids were tombs.
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In many countries, cemeteries are objects of superstition and legend; they are sometimes used (usually at night-time) for black magic ceremonies or similar clandestine happenings. In Haiti the traditional belief regarding zombies as practiced under Voudun religion is connected with burial rituals. It is believed that the zombified individual is buried alive in a coffin in a shallow grave after being given a dosage of tetrodotoxin from the puffer fish to slow his heart so he appears dead even to medical practitioners. After all the burial ceremonies are completed the zombie victim is then dug up and taken into servitude, usually as a punishment for some crime he committed. Some Haitians deny that these practices exist and that these kinds of voodoo practices are pure superstition.
Elder elephants instinctively leave their group when they reach a certain age, and direct themselves toward a special area. They will die there alone, far from the group. (Isn't this just a myth?)
Cemeteries in ancient ages
Cemeteries for pets
Cemeteries and superstition
Elephants' cemeteries
Related articles
External links
A cemetery in rural Spain, with marble headstones.