What does a cemetery refer to?

A cemetery specifically refers to a designated location where individuals are laid to rest after death, typically through burial. This definition encompasses the physical space where graves are established, marking the final resting places of those who have passed away. Cemeteries can also serve functions related to the handling of cremains, offering niches or areas where cremated remains may be kept.

While mourning may occur in a cemetery, it is not the defining characteristic of the space itself. Whereas locations for the preparation of the body, such as funeral homes or mortuaries, serve a different purpose altogether. Similarly, caskets are simply containers for the deceased and do not define the purpose or function of a cemetery. Therefore, understanding a cemetery as a burial or cremation location encapsulates its primary role in the context of funeral practices.