As a cemetery is considered a sacred place, you should take extra care so as not to draw negative attention to yourself during a visit. That being said, if you’re new to visiting cemeteries, you may be wondering what is and isn’t considered appropriate. To provide some insight into how to be respectful to tombstones and other visitors, here are some cemetery etiquette tips.

3 Tips for Maintaining Proper Etiquette When Visiting a Cemetery

1. Respect the Grounds

When visiting a cemetery, it’s important to be respectful to the grounds, tombstones, and people around you. Be aware of your volume and speak softly so that you don’t create a noise disturbance. Never litter on cemetery grounds or otherwise alter the property. If you bring a pet with you, keep them on a short leash and always clean up after them.

Take Care When Walking Among Headstones

It’s important to be mindful of where and how you walk in a cemetery, so as not to be offensive or cause any damage. Out of respect, never stand on top of a burial place and take care not to step on any tombstones as you walk. Fortunately, most cemeteries are designed to provide a clear walking path, so be sure to follow that when you’re visiting.

Respect People’s Privacy

While visiting a cemetery is a highly intimate, emotional, and personal experience, remember that you’ll need to share the space with others who are also grieving. When visiting your loved one, be mindful of those around you and respect their personal privacy. Many people will want to be alone with their thoughts, so avoid engaging others in heavy conversation. Refrain from taking photos of other families or headstones that do not belong to your loved one, as this is an invasion of privacy and considered to be in poor taste.

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