Are cemetary Halloween walks kinda disrespectful ?

[Rallygirl]

Before the idea of cemeteries was created, burials were done in churchyards, farm fields, and family plots in back yards. As the population grew, especially in urban areas, so did the need for burial places. When cemeteries outside of churchyards were first designed, they did double duty as burial spots and recreation areas. The lay-out of trees and paths was supposed to make a park-like atmosphere. In fact, in many towns, a Sunday afternoon picnic in the cemetery was a common occurrence. Of course, people had a different view of death back then. It was common, occurred at home, and was normal part of everyday life. In the post WWII world, death has become hidden, sanitized, hushed and morbid. Cemeteries lost their place as parks.

In some areas, especially those with natural cemeteries, this is making a comeback. Hiking, dog walking, and picnicing is being encouraged. I think it is fabulous to make better use of these spaces.

History aside, in my opinion, cemetery walks are fine as long as they are focusing on history. I wouldn't, however, want to see a "pop out and go boo" aspect. Two weeks ago, I went on a cemetery walk were my grandparents are buried. I had no problem with it at all. I fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am sure, my grandparents wouldn't have had an issue either.

Thanks for reading my two cents worth,
Rallygirl (author of two local history books, Robinson Township historian, and interim local cemetery sexton)

http://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/in-the-garden-cemetery-the-revival-of-americas-first-urban-parks/

[Gorn Captain]

If it's respectful, I'd allow it. Halloween has lost much of its original meaning, which is a shame. These walks should try and re-educate us about that.

But I can understand that it would offend family of people buried there. Imagine if you lost a child, and you see that people have been doing all kinds of things on the grave. That would be harsh.
That is why I'll be cremated. Back to the old primordial soup. I don't think the dead reside at the cemetary. Imagine lying in that grave and seeing the butts of two teenagers making out above you...

[johnnystorm]

I dont see it as disrespectful ...as said above, originally cemetaries were designed for use as places of reflection, but also as public parks. People used to picnic in cemetaries. As long as desecration, vandalism, or disrespect are con p.m.tained I think it's ok.
Now that said, we used to have a cemetary that put up Christmas light displays along the drive paths and charged car fees to drive through. Now THAT I thought was disrespectful! Thankfully that only lasted a couple seasons, don't know if it ended from lack of customers or from complaints, but I'm glad it went away.

[wayne foundation 07]

They do ghost walks here too, and they do a good job of them , and are always careful and don't walk straight across the graves and stay to the aisles between them going from marker to marker. As long as they are done right, I see no problems with them.

[Mikey]

I never really thought of the disdain some people have for walking on graves.

If a person (even stranger) walked on one of my family members graves I wouldn't even give it a thought.

I think the walking on gravy thing is a superstition from way back that probably doesn't even have anything to do with religion or respect.

Seems to me it's more in line with walking under a ladder or the whole black cat thing.

BTW, I love black cats -- they look like little panthers

[TrekStar]

I think it's all kind of creepy to begin with, if you don't need to be in a cemetery, then don't go into a cemetery
my Momma ain't raise no fool.

[mickeymoosemego]

I think it's all kind of creepy to begin with, if you don't need to be in a cemetery, then don't go into a cemetery
my Momma ain't raise no fool.

Agree with this Statement.

[Rallygirl]

I love to just meander through cemeteries,....looking at the various monuments, reading them.

[Paladin]

Totally depends on the spirit in which it is meant, my family has been known to have picnics in various cemeteries. It's quiet, peaceful and we make sure that we aren't setting up on any grave. This can be viewed two ways based on your belief or opinions about the the departed.

A) They have no idea whats going on, they are dead. So no problems.

B) They are aware of the living world. If you are polite and respectful of the place where they rest, even compliment their grave marker if it's attractive, I believe they may in fact like the company.

Boozing, vandalizing markers or disrespecting behavior in general however is unacceptable. Just my $0.02