Did you know May is Cemetery Appreciation Month?
This post is part of my Cemetery Appreciation Month series.
I didn’t! And to be honest, I’m not sure how “official” it is because there is no centralized entity that celebrates it. But as a taphophile, I decided to embrace it this May because I’ve spent a lot of time in my local cemeteries during the pandemic.
Throughout the month, I’ll be sharing some photos, playlists and even a few guest posts from friends about how you can explore your own local cemeteries.
For today, we’re focusing on how it all started, and I’m sharing more about why I love cemeteries.
Why I Love Cemeteries

I’ll be honest: I’m not entirely sure when or where my love of cemeteries began. Yes, it dovetails nicely with being a Halloween blogger and has become such a part of my life that I have a secondary Instagram account, @mirandawanderscemeteries, to share my favorite photos. (Several of which are printed and hanging in my bedroom year-round.)
But there wasn’t a moment where I knew I loved them. I think exploring Halloween content more allowed me to embrace my love of these spaces in our world, learn more about them and feel more comfortable being that person. Here are a few more reasons I enjoy spending time in cemeteries.

1. Cemeteries are beautiful spaces.
Many are full of trees, flowers and beautiful landscaping. I tend to think of them as park spaces more than anything, for this reason. I’m lucky enough to have one of Houston’s most historic cemeteries, Glenwood, just down the street from me. Parts of the cemetery date back to the 1800s, and it is magical wandering the walking paths under sprawling tree branches knowing everything around me has seen decades upon decades of life – and death.
2. Cemeteries are peaceful.
When I step inside a cemetery, I feel a change happen inside of me. I became calmer, quieter. Some of that is respect for being in a space where people are laid to rest. But a lot of it is I find peace and solace in cemeteries. I feel more like myself.
Over the last six months, I’ve found they’re a space where I can walk around and explore or walk around to gather my thoughts. They give me an outdoor space free of people (for the most part) to reflect and think. I find a lot of peace in that.

3. Cemeteries are full of inspiration.
When I’m in a space where I feel most at home, I find inspiration is a lot more likely to strike. That’s happened a few times in cemeteries over the past six months with ideas for short stories and even full novels.
I find that wandering different sections of the cemetery, noticing names and dates on headstones or even doing a little people-watching at a distance has helped spark inspiration with my writing too. (Like this little piece I shared last spring.)
4. Cemeteries are a space to learn.
There is SO much history in cemeteries. Wandering Olivewood Cemetery and Old City Cemetery in Galveston (where all the photos in this post were taken) years ago taught me that. Olivewood was Houston’s first incorporated African American cemetery, and Old City Cemetery has headstones with birth dates that occurred before the United States was even a country.
Since I prefer to wander older cemeteries, I also like to do a little research before or after a visit to learn more about the space, how it’s evolved over the years and any graves of note.
I also love studying headstones for new-to-me symbols. More on those later this month from my friend Tui Snider!

5. Cemeteries help me process death.
Death is one of those things I wish we talked about more in our society. Of course, there are people doing just that – Caitlin Doughty is one of my faves – but I wish it was more widely accepted.
I find that when I spend time in cemeteries, it helps me process what it might be like when people I love pass away…and that I, myself, will pass away someday too. I’m hopeful that taking time to think through those moments now, well before I’m in the experience itself, will help me deal with it a little better.
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Do you love cemeteries too?
Tell me what your favorite thing about them is in the comments – and your favorite one you’ve ever explored! (Sleepy Hollow is WAY up there for me.)
Happy haunting,




Kelly
When I was growing up, we lived down the street from a cemetery. I would ride my bike in there every day during the summer. It was peaceful and felt safe, plus some of the gravestones were so neat to look at and wonder about the people who they memorialize.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
What a dream!
Tara
I love this post so much!
I often feel so alone in my love for cemeteries.
My favourite is Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Definitely not alone! :)
Debbie Young
I have always found cemetery’s to be interesting places. Like roaming around in them righting flowers that are knocked over. They are very peaceful and love all the unique headstones as well. I do not like the fact that the newer cemetery’s will only allow plaques instead of tombstones. I have always found it sad when you come across a neglected grave I think all graves should be kept up regardless of how old they are. No one deserves to be forgotten….
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
I do the same thing when I walk – I’ll right tipped over plants or flowers or return small objects to the headstone they seem to have fallen off of.
Autumn Zenith
What a wonderfully enjoyable post and look at your own passion for taphophila.
Cemeteries have called to me since early childhood. I find them to be profoundly relaxing, grounding, inspiring, beautiful, and spiritually meaningful places.
We’re fortunate to live within walking distance (in the better weather and when the local bears aren’t on the prowl, that is) of our town’s cemetery. It was founded in the Edwardian era and while not huge or ornate (not a cemetery/graveyard needs to be either, of course) is it absolutely lovely and amongst my favourite burial grounds I’ve ever spent time at.
I try to do so many times throughout the year and think of it as the main local spot (beyond our property, I mean) I can go to when I need to destress and centre myself. Naturally, I go for many other reasons, too, and am very grateful for the bond I’ve formed with this poignant location.
So long as I’m on this side of the veil (and, who knows, maybe after that point too!), I’ll continue to visit cemeteries near and far as often as I possibly can.
Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
I feel the same way about my favorite cemetery being a place where I can center myself! I’ve found I’ve done some of my best thinking and reflecting there over the past six months.
Lauren
I love exploring cemeteries too! One year for my birthday I went to go find the one where Ed Warren is buried since I live in the same state. It was definitely a creepy old cemetery…which are the best!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
What a fun birthday/cemetery adventure!
Sonja
Hey Miranda! I think you’ve touched on many of the same reasons I love cemeteries. Besides their beauty, they bring me a sense of peace and calm. They are a good place to reflect and escape from the world. So far, my fave cemetery has been Highgate in London and right here at home in Dallas, I love Oakland cemetery. https://oaklandcemeterydallas.com/
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Next time I’m in Dallas, we are meeting up and going exploring! :)
Mark Thomas
Dear Miranda,
Totally agree with your five personal reasons and anyone looking to write a book or even read one then, go to a cemetery and be at peace in the surroundings.
Keep well and thank you for your write up.
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Glad you enjoyed it, Mark!