|
Cemetery Etiquette
Cemetery Etiquette for Paranormal Investigations
GRASPP has developed the standards below to insure a safe and productive investigation in any cemetery. Remember to follow the posted rules of all of the cemetery’s when you visit, at all times. Your actions will reflect on every paranormal investigator after you have gone!
Obey the posted hours of operation. If there are no posted hours, the rule is that the cemetery is closed from dusk to dawn; this is the law in most states. It may be possible to get permission to be in the cemetery after hours. If you don’t have permission to be in the cemetery don’t go in, especially after dark. If you trespass and get caught, it can hurt both your wallet and your groups reputation.
Survey the cemetery during daylight hours. Find out where dangers will lie in darkness and inform your team members of them prior to entering the cemetery in the dark. Many older cemeteries have open graves and vaults as well as local flora and fauna that make their homes in the cemetery—be aware of these things before going in at night.
Show respect. Some spirits may feel that the cemetery is now their home, which, technically, it is. If you feel you are intruding on someone’s personal space, leave the area immediately. Some spirits can become territorial after death and this can hinder your investigation results in many ways. Remember to not sit, lean or otherwise place your body on any of the memorials, including headstones, vaults, crypts, monuments, mausoleums, or even memorial benches. Simply put, be respectful, you are the visitor. Also be aware of your conversations. Making rude wisecracks that may be overheard by other visitors, investigators or residents (spirits & neighbors) is unprofessional.
Do not bring alcohol (which should never be used before or during an investigation in the first place), firearms, fireworks or other items for entertainment into a cemetery. If you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, discuss that with your team leader as some cemeteries may not be safe at night. When your choices are to carry your permitted weapon or find another cemetery to investigate. Choosing the latter would be the best choice.
Do not leave anything behind. If you brought it in, you should remember to take it out. It is also appropriate and respectful to remove any trash that you find left by other visitors. If you see beer or soda bottles or cans, food containers, wrappers and the like, pick them up and put them in a trash receptacle. If there are no trash receptacles in the cemetery, take it to your vehicle and dispose of it when you get home. This can be great PR, also the caretaker and the spirits will appreciate you doing this small act of kindness.
If you happen to come across family and /or friends mourning at a grave side or headstone, put your camera away. Showing them a little respect by putting your investigation on hold is the right thing to do and it may also keep them from complaining to the caretaker. This can have a big effect on the next time that you ask to go into the cemetery.
Remove nothing from the cemetery. Don’t take flowers, whether growing in the cemetery or in a vase. Things like ribbons, medals or other personal memorabilia have been left by loved ones and these belong to the deceased. They need to stay where they are, this is not a discount store. Do not remove naturally growing plants or any animals that you may find living in the cemetery either. If you happen to find an injured wild animal, call animal control or the police for assistance to help these animals. If it looks like a floral arrangement fell and you're not sure which grave it belongs, leave it alone and leave a note of the location for the caretaker. They will know which grave it belongs to and can correct the problem.
If you are having trouble reading an inscription on a headstone, come back during the day when the light is better. You may also want to bring a rubbing kit along as well. Do not use shaving cream as it can damage headstones.
Some investigators now use dogs to help locate spirits. This is fine on an investigation in a private residence or business, but not in a cemetery. While some cemeteries do allow pets, it may not be a safe situation for you, your pet, your team members, especially at night. It is also disrespectful, should your pet need to relieve itself and you do not notice in time.
Always report any suspicious activity or vandalism to the authorities, and the caretaker, immediately.
Use common sense while visiting any cemetery. This is not your private investigation location. It is a place worthy of respect, where people visit loved ones who have passed on. Whether a cemetery is still in use or not, be professional and respectful. Following the local laws, posted rules and these guidelines will help to make sure that you and your team members will have a better chance of returning the next time out. Have a safe and productive investigation.
|
