EVERY November 1 and 2, millions of people leave their homes in the city and provinces to troop to the cemeteries and pay their respects to their dead loved ones.
With the celebration of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day or Undas every year, people are already expected to know what to do and what not do inside the burial grounds. However, there are still some hard-headed people who keep on breaking the rules set by the authorities to maintain the peace and order.
But if you're new to the tradition, here are some of the do’s and don’ts or the cemetiquette (cemetery etiquette) that you have to take note when visiting cemeteries.
- Do bring food and drinks when heading to the cemetery. Since every cemetery in the country will be crowded during Undas, it is advisable to bring food and water in order to stay hydrated and to avoid fainting due to hunger.
- Don't bring alcoholic beverages. Drinks such as juice and water are acceptable to bring but drinking alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, tequila, etc. inside the cemetery is prohibited. This is to avoid public disturbances like incoherent yelling or screaming and picking out fights with other cemetery goers, which are usually done by drunk people.
- Do bring fans and umbrellas to protect yourself from the sun or rain. Nowadays, weather can be unpredictable. It’s better to be prepared for whatever the weather has in store for us.
- Do bring trash bags and first-aid kit. Since food and water are necessities to carry when visiting the cemetery, it is inevitable to have garbage like plastic bottles and food containers in your person. To avoid dirtying the resting place of the dead, put your garbage in your trash bags if trash bins are not within reach. Accidents are also unavoidable in crowded areas, that's why having a first-aid kit with you will be helpful in treating wounds promptly, especially if you're far away from medical help.
- Don't bring deadly and bladed weapons or sharp objects. This is to avoid accidents from happening inside the cemetery.
- Gambling (e.g. playing cards) and using loudspeakers inside the cemetery is prohibited.
- Do place your candles in safe areas to avoid fire.
- Do take note of medical stations and police assistance booths in case of emergency.
- Do bring IDs, especially for children should they get lost.
Apart from the do’s and don’ts when observing All Saint's and All Soul's Day, here are some safety tips when leaving your home as you travel to visit your dead loved ones.
- Make sure all the doors and windows of your home are locked.
- Do not leave candles lit and appliances plugged unattended.
- Avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry when you're taking public transportation going to the cemetery. Also avoid bringing large amounts of money.
- Report immediately to authorities if you notice suspicious-looking person or package within the vicinity.
It pays to stay safe and secure when going to public places that are expected to be crowded in special occasions such as this. Let us also not forget to give our loving respects to the dead people in the burial grounds and keep the peace in their resting place.