We all know about the superstitions surrounding cemeteries — don’t walk on the grass, don’t knock on the headstones, and don’t stay after dark. But are any of these actually true? Let’s take a look at 6 cemetery superstitions and see if there’s any merit to them.
1. It Is Not True That If You Walk Through a Cemetery At Night, You Will Be Cursed — Although You Might Be Cited For Trespassing
Put away your garlic necklace and holy water—there’s nothing to fear when it comes to visiting a cemetery at night! Despite the horror films, books, and TV shows that have scared us into believing otherwise, there is no scientific evidence or folkloric basis for believing that walking through a cemetery after dark will bring you any sort of supernatural curse.
So don’t let those spooky vibes associated with cemeteries keep you from enjoying a peaceful evening stroll among the graves; just arm yourself with some knowledge about local laws and respect for the dead, and you won’t have anything spooky to worry about after dark.
Many cemeteries are closed from dusk to dawn, but this isn’t to keep visitors from being cursed — it’s to protect them and the grounds from vandalism or harm.
2. You Will Not Catch a Cold From Being In a Graveyard
Contrary to popular belief, a graveyard is not a breeding ground for sickness. You may have heard the myth that coming into contact with or even walking by a graveyard will cause you to catch a cold, but the truth is that there’s no real basis in science for this idea.
Sure, being out and about can expose you to germs that might give you a cold — but wandering around in a graveyard won’t make your immune system any weaker than usual either. In fact, you can’t even catch a cold from being out in the cold — you will only get sick if you are exposed to the cold virus. Sure, cold air can irritate conditions like asthma, but you can’t catch a cold from the elements, and you CERTAINLY can’t catch a cold from visiting a cemetery!
So if you find yourself itching to visit your local cemetery, you can go worry-free knowing that your health won’t be negatively impacted. Still not convinced?
There are always virtual graveyard visits — you can tour The Gardens at Boca Raton from the comfort of your couch!
3. It Is Not True That Graves Open and Swallow People Whole
We’ve all heard some spooky stories about old cemeteries and burial grounds, but you might be relieved to hear that those tales tend to be more folklore than fact. Take the oft-repeated tale of a graveyard capable of swallowing people whole — it makes for a great haunted house yarn, but it’s simply untrue.
After all, how could a grave open up and consume someone? It wouldn’t make much sense, so we can breathe easy knowing that this is just an urban legend!
In reality, however, graveyards aren’t exactly free from danger. Travelers should be sure to use caution when visiting an unfamiliar graveyard as wild animals may call these areas home — and even though it won’t put you at any real risk of being devoured by some dark force, they still might not take kindly to unexpected visitors!
Whether you’re in a cemetery or your own backyard, always remember to keep safe! And make sure that you check with local laws and open hours for the cemetery in question — if you plan to visit on your own, you will need to respect the cemetery’s curfew hours as well!
4. There Is No Such Thing As a “Vampire Grave”
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a vampire grave. The concept comes from centuries-old superstitions that were meant to explain why someone had died of an unknown cause — like sudden weakness, paleness, and loss of blood. It was believed that vampires were responsible for these mysterious deaths, and in some cases, graves were opened and “protection” such as crosses or cloves of garlic put inside the coffin to protect them from further attacks.
Over time, interest in vampires drove a fascination with allegedly “vampire” gravesites, where tradition held that people buried in the ground must have been creatures of the night. But despite decades of searching, no one has found any evidence to confirm this strange practice or suggest that anything supernatural ever happened in those locations.
So if you’re looking for something spooky at your local graveyard … you might want to look elsewhere! Not only do so-called “vampire” graves not exist, but they also make up some of our culture’s most pervasive myths. In short — vampires are not real, and neither are their graves. Sorry folks!
5. It Is Not True That Stepping On Someone’s Grave Means They Will Come Back to Haunt You
Have you ever taken a walk in a cemetery and heard the rumor that if you step on someone’s grave, the person will come back to haunt you? Well, we’ve got news for you: that’s an old fairy tale. There is absolutely no truth to this age-old superstition — neither ghosts nor ghouls can be conjured by simply stepping on a gravesite.
In fact, stepping on a grave may be considered rude or disrespectful in some cultures, but it won’t wake the dead from their slumber.
That being said, regardless of whether this superstition has any basis in reality or not, why not just show some respect and leave the departed to rest in peace? After all, what harm would it do to demonstrate your consideration for those who have passed away?
Ultimately, not stepping on a grave is a matter of respect, not safety. Perhaps this spooky warning was told by parents to their children to keep them from desecrating burial grounds, but the truth is that it’s not really necessary — no one will come back to haunt you if you accidentally step on someone’s gravesite, just like stepping on a crack won’t break your mother’s back. So don’t worry, and just treat every graveyard with the respect it deserves!
6. It Is Not True That Cemeteries Are Always Haunted
Ah, cemeteries. For some, these places are fear-inducing — settings for spooky tales of lost souls and undead hauntings. But contrary to popular belief, cemeteries don’t have to be gloomy or eerie; in fact, many are peaceful and beautiful — a final resting place for those we’ve lost.
As places of remembrance and reflection, cemeteries can help bring individuals closer to both the lives of others and their own lives. We may never know the secrets behind each headstone if we don’t take the time to visit; just imagine all the stories that could be revealed! We welcome visitors to The Gardens at Boca Raton who wish to explore, grieve, or simply appreciate the tranquil atmosphere among our above-ground mausoleums.
So while it may be true that cemeteries can be spooky places depending on the time of day and your own personal feelings, this doesn’t mean they are always haunted. In fact, cemeteries contain more memories than ghosts — so take some time to go explore and discover the beauty of life through these hallowed grounds.
That’s why it’s so important to remember: cemeteries aren’t always haunted; they’re simply hallways to our pasts. And without them, how would we ever discover all the fascinating history that surrounds us? So go ahead and visit your local cemetery; its mysteries await!
