After posting a photo on the Coal Speaker Facebook page of the former St. Ignatius Cemetery at sunset, one commenter said, ‘
cemeteries are such a beautiful and peaceful place. i honestly think the tradition of having picnics in cemeteries should make a comeback.
While this website often celebrates, laments, or just documents the past, we have long neglected to state anymore about this whole celebration in the cemetery business.. Thank to my commenter for spiking the memories of reading about this topic.
What we know about cemeteries often comes from either horror novels or our own personal experiences–those dreaded moments of taking friends or loved ones to their final resting places within the grounds of this earthly dwelling.
But cemeteries were once not only hallowed grounds, but also picnic spots of summer lovers!
It’s true!
There is photographic evidence documenting that people used to party hard in cemeteries in the summer time or just on regular beautiful days in the United States.
Historical websites say that the amount of disease and death–think old school plagues–were enough to create an appalling atmosphere of sadness.. poverty. America was a tough place in the 1700s and 1800s.. it was formed by blood, sweat, tears.. and short lives.
Apparently the lack of clean public parks helped in whole thing … people gathered around the grave sites of those who had too short of lives–often even children–and lamented the past and told stories of the deceased person’s brief life. There were families and friends often gathering around the grave of someone who they terribly missed, but somehow equally celebrated with this macabre and yet immensely beautiful ability to celebrate a life.
From all accounts, the 1920s led to the death of the great Cemetery Celebrations in the United States. Maybe the roaring 20s did it.. maybe the heat of the planet before world wars.. maybe just because these brief pop cultural moments happen and future generations just never pinpoint why they started or ended..
Guatemala and Greece still practice cemetery picnics, and including deceased ancestors in annual traditions is part of many Asian cultures.
And I guess I’m jealous of them, too. Because, after all, cemeteries are solemn places.. tears often fill the landscape around tombstones. But why not fine foods and spirits? Why not some laughter.. why not a picnic?
So while it may not be the most popular point of view, I agree with the comment on my Facebook page: Bring back the cemetery celebration!
