Cemetery Meaning
Cemetery Definition & Usage
A burial ground, especially one that is marked by gravestones.
Examples
- "The cemetery was located on the outskirts of town, surrounded by thick hedges."
- "Every year, the family visits the cemetery to honor their ancestors."
- "She felt a sense of peace walking through the quiet cemetery, reflecting on the lives of those buried there."
- "The old cemetery near the river was abandoned, with ivy growing over most of the gravestones."
- "In many cultures, cemeteries are seen as sacred spaces for remembrance and contemplation."
A place or environment that is characterized by neglect, decay, or abandonment.
Examples
- "The old factory was a cemetery of broken machinery and rusted pipes."
- "His career had become a cemetery of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises."
- "The abandoned amusement park had turned into a cemetery for forgotten dreams."
- "The once-bustling street had become a cemetery for failing businesses."
- "Her garden, once full of flowers, had become a cemetery of wilting plants and forgotten upkeep."
Cultural Context
Cemeteries are integral to most cultures as places of burial and remembrance. They often carry historical and cultural significance, and the customs around burials can vary greatly depending on religion, geography, and personal beliefs. In Western cultures, cemeteries often feature gravestones, statues, and memorials, while in other parts of the world, burial practices can include cremation, mausoleums, or communal tombs.
The Forgotten Cemetery
Story
The Forgotten Cemetery
Lily had always known that the old cemetery at the edge of town held secrets. It was a place she had passed by countless times, but it wasn’t until one late autumn afternoon that she decided to walk through its iron gates. The cemetery was unlike the manicured, well-kept resting places of the wealthy; this one had long since been abandoned. The gravestones were weathered and broken, and a thin layer of moss had covered most of the inscriptions. Despite its apparent neglect, Lily felt a sense of calm as she wandered among the silent markers. As she explored further, she noticed a small plaque nestled beneath an ancient oak tree. It read, 'In Memory of the Forgotten.' The inscription was barely legible, but Lily could tell it referenced those buried in unmarked graves, their stories lost to time. Her thoughts were interrupted by a rustling sound behind her. Turning, she saw an elderly man approaching, a weathered hat on his head and a cane in hand. He was a regular at the local library, where Lily worked, though she had never spoken to him before. He stopped at the entrance of a particularly neglected plot and sighed. 'It's a shame,' the man said, looking at the cemetery. 'This used to be a place of peace. Now, it's become a cemetery of forgotten souls.' Lily nodded, feeling the weight of his words. The cemetery had once been a proud, solemn place where families mourned their loved ones, but now, it was slowly falling into ruin. As the sun began to set, the old man turned to leave. 'I come here to remember,' he said. 'Sometimes, the memories are all we have left.' Lily stood alone in the fading light, the silence of the cemetery enveloping her. She knew she would return, not just to remember the forgotten, but to preserve the history that was slowly disappearing.