These trees were in their own section of the cemetery surrounded by a beautiful wrought-iron fence. It was definitely not a back lot or maintenance area. The boxes weren’t labeled. There were no epitaphs…yet. Though I don’t know, my hope is that they’re family-sized receptacles for ashes, or for people who’ve had their remains turned into compost. Do you know why these trees are at Evergreen? Please comment.
When you consider how long humans have been living and dying on our planet, embalming is a relatively new practice. Ancient Egyptians mummified their dead, but modern embalming practices started during World War I when families wanted to preserve fallen soldiers’ bodies long enough to get them home from overseas for burial. Thanks to the funeral industry, the practice gained popularity for non-military folks in the decades that followed. Nowadays most people in the United States don’t even realize they have a choice.
Burial vaults, fancy caskets and embalming services are not required by law. They’re a choice in all 50 states. The average burial in the USA cost upwards of $7800 in 2024. There’s a lot of money to be made, but the funeral industry is responding to growing demand for more earth-friendly and inexpensive alternatives.
Green, or natural burials not only save money, but support land conservation and sustainable practices by avoiding toxic embalming chemicals and concrete. Biodegradable caskets, shrouds, and urns are set directly into the ground, not sealed in concrete vaults – ashes to ashes, dust to dust. There are even companies that will compost your body and turn it into a natural material that can be spread in a garden or orchard to help plants grow.
Do you have a ghost story from Bonaventure? I’d love to hear it!
I’m a sucker for graves decorated by family and friends. This cemeter is full of them! I love Daniel’s bricks, the many walls hand-crafted with colorful native stones, the statues and the whimsical found-objects. Each display’s careful construction whispers, or shouts, clues about the life led and lost. I find cemeteries like this one sooo much more compelling than those full of plaques – “In loving memory…birth date…death date.”
The Sedona Community Cemetery is only a little way out of town. With the address above, GPS got me there just fine. It’s tucked back off the road among the trees with gorgeous red rock views. Don’t miss it!
While you’re in Sedona, stop for breakfast at Cafe Jose. All the tourists will be at The Coffee Pot, so you’ll have the place to yourself. Lunch is probably great there too, but I kept going back for breakfast and excellent coffee.
Cheers!
I Dig Graves! 