Deriving its roots from the Greek word koimeterion or from the Latin coemeterium, which means “place where one sleeps”, the term cemetery designates a place dedicated to the burial of the deceased, whose location is identified by tombstones.

These solemn places for meditation have a rich history and have fueled the imagination of many people, as evidenced by numerous movies and legends. Crématorium Montréal therefore invites you to discover some of the many facets of cemeteries!

The origins of cemeteries

In the Western world, the first cemeteries appeared in the Middle Ages and were usually located near a place of worship, bringing together the dead and the living, so that the faithful could pray for their ancestors. Cemeteries differ from the burial grounds of prehistoric times, which consisted of unmarked graves, as well as from ancient necropolises, such as those of the pharaohs, which were located outside cities. Interestingly, the Law of the Twelve Tables of the ancient Roman Empire prohibited the burial of the dead in cities for hygienic reasons.

With the rise of Christianity, under the empire of Charlemagne, the cremation of the dead—a practice considered pagan—was rejected in order to give the dead a burial place (a grave):a rite more in keeping with the concept of resurrection of the dead. The cemeteries as we know them today really appeared around the 10th or 11th century.

Witnesses to our history

In Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, there are several types of cemeteries, reflecting different parts of our history. The first explorers were often buried in undifferentiated cemeteries, punctuated by wooden crosses.

Later, early settlers in rural areas were buried in small family plots—now abandoned—with up to twenty graves. In the small villages, there were cemeteries adjacent to the chapels, which are mostly unused today.

Nowadays, the dead are generally buried in urban cemeteries. Canadians who served in the Armed Forces may be laid to rest in the Canadian War Cemeteries, which are listed here.

Cemeteries of any kind are always peaceful and serene, especially when they are located in a natural setting, near water or in large green spaces. Most cemeteries built in the last century have pathways and arched walkways, demonstrating the growing concern for making cemeteries pleasant places of commemoration.

Cemetery or columbarium?

When cremation is chosen, the urn may be buried in a cemetery or stored in a columbarium. Although they are not built in natural surroundings, columbariums offer the advantage of being able to pay one’s respects or go there and meditate at any time of the day, protected from the elements.

While burial is permanent and costs are paid only once for the plot and burial, the space in the columbarium must be rented for a set period of time, at the end of which the estate may choose to renew the rental, keep the urn or bury it.

Cemeteries in popular culture

Many horror films have used cemeteries to portray their characters, such as Pet Sematary and Beetlejuice. Some places are the subject of incredible legends, such as the Stull cemetery in Kansas, in which a passageway to the gates of Hell is said to open. It was even made into a movie!

If you would you like to know the address or contact information of a particular cemetery, the cimetieresduquebec.ca website lists all the cemeteries in Quebec. Or ask one of our advisors at Crématorium Montréal to help you. We partner with other cemeteries for the burial of your deceased’s ashes.