Proper Conduct in Cemeteries
Cemeteries are often popular venues for many amateur ghost hunters, as well as those who are considered seasoned, professional spirit chasers. Old battlefields are also on the rise as viable hunting grounds.
First and foremost, a cemetery is not the place to conduct parties at night. Old battlefields must also be shown the same genuine respect as cemeteries. After all, people died on the majority of these battlefields.
This is a highly disrespectful approach for any ghost hunter, and even for someone who is not looking to capture spirits on film, EVP, etc., to act out inappropriately in these types of areas. Besides, if a person is caught in a cemetery, and many of the old battlefields, after hours without permission, they can be arrested.
In any cemetery or battlefield, genealogists, historians, and descendants of the deceased are often present. People who love to photograph or transcribe headstone engravings frequent these areas as well. Others may be doing gravestone rubbings, though this has become a less popular hobby due to decaying stones.
Babbling happily about ghosts may distract or offend these people, who expect respectful silence, especially in a cemetery. If someone is visiting the grave of a recently deceased family member, unsavory comments may upset the visitor. They often prefer to think that everyone who has crossed over is in a happier place...not lingering around a cemetery. It seems best to speak in subdued tones, and not approach strangers unless they initiate conversation.
Joking is generally inappropriate. That is not to say a person has to maintain a dour demeanor, but some jokes are in very poor taste. Of course, some people get a little fidgety, even somewhat nervous in cemeteries, and usually manage to say the worst possible things at times. Avoiding offensive, even laughable, patter can be difficult.
As a guideline, a few gambols" to avoid in cemeteries and old battlefields that could irritate the dead, and probably annoy the living as well, has been established.
"Didn't mean to shout loud enough to wake the dead!"
When a person comes across a grave marker with a husband and wife’s name inscribed on it, one phrase that should be avoided is obvious.
"This fellow must have been a cheapskate, not giving his wife her own headstone."
While ghost hunting with a person who does not necessarily believe in the paranormal, or perhaps a first time investigator tagging along with another person or group, this next parlance is absurd, and insulting.
"So, when do the ghouls and goblins show up, huh?"
If a person is casually strolling along through a cemetery or battlefield, and they feel exhausted, this verbalism is certainly appalling.
" I'm feeling dead tired."
Some people merely poke fun at ghost hunters. Here is yet another sentence that is ridiculously uncalled for.
"You’re looking pretty grave."
Those thoughtless remarks should give a general idea as to the wisecracks that should go unspoken in cemeteries and old battlefield. If someone starts joking, a person they are visiting the cemetery with should stop them immediately, or leave. Everyone has probably witnessed this type of senseless behavior at one time or another.
Something peculiar has also been reported when jokesters visit areas where ghosts are believed to inhabit. Perhaps, suddenly the prankster with the joshing comments twists an ankle, or encounters other odd problems. Possibly the ghosts were listening? Maybe they used this opportunity to "getting even" with the sap?
Everyone should obey the laws. If the cemetery states "closed dusk to dawn," obtaining written or verbal permission to visit after hours should be secured if they plan to be in the surroundings after the specified curfew. If a person inadvertently stays past dusk, they are breaking the law. But mistakes do happen. It seems best to leave cheerfully, and quickly as soon as the the error is realized.
Likewise, if the gate is locked at a cemetery, or any other assumed haunted location, it is a possible hint that no one is allowed into the private resting place. Researchers must always obey the request, and do not disturb the area in any manner.
Protect whatever is in the cemetery. No one should ever lean on fragile headstones, much less sit on these. The use of shaving cream to reveal inscriptions is prohibited. Many of these concoctions contain perfumes or other ingredients that contribute to rapid decay. Acid rain has already done enough damage to these precious stones. Holding a halogen flashlight at a sharp angle will reveal nearly as much, and sometimes more than shaving cream would, anyway.
The number one moral rule of anyone visiting cemeteries and any assumed haunted location is to respect the deceased. The dead consider the cemetery their resting place and home. Visitors, and even the trespassers on their property should be respectful. Although some paranormal investigators believe it is okay to ignore belligerent, territorial ghosts, this does not seem wise or respectful to anyone, including the dead.
People should always step carefully on graves. Also, littering is immensely disrespectful and utterly malevolent.
If investigators wish to capture photographs and/or recordings, loud noises are unadvised. Unnecessary babble, fuss or shouting are believed to annoy and/or frighten spirits buried in cemeteries or battlefield areas. Speaking in soft tones may enhance any chances of snapping stupendous photographs and/or recording first class EVPs.
Some researchers recommend waiting at least half an hour before taking any photos when arriving at a location. Next, they suggest asking permission from the deceased first before snapping pictures or turning any recording devices on. Many ghost hunters who request permission before preceding forward report prodigious results when analyzing their evidence.
Employing common sense and good judgment is also essential. It is generally inappropriate to take a pet into a cemetery. If a person must, be certain the pet is on a sturdy leash, particularly if the animal is frightened easily or by spectral appearances.
Cleaning up after the pet is vital. If an animal drops feces on the ground, or tears anything up in the area, the owner should immediately clean the area the pet disturbed. In addition, if the animal disturbs others, including the spirits, take the animal away from the area, preferably back to its home or a kennel.
Using common sense is important. Move or remove nothing from any cemetery or battlefield unless written permission has been granted. Leave plants, photographs, flowers, markers, badges, ribbons, and so on, exactly as they were found. Do not even pick leaves from the trees. However, if garbage, such as empty beer or soda cans, or discarded fast-food wrappers, picking these items up is always a kind gesture.