Beginning ghost hunters and/or investigators may become overly anxious and forget that graveyards are solemn places and definitely deserve respect. If you are going to conduct an investigation at a cemetery, here are a few simple rules of etiquette to keep in mind:
First and foremost, obey any posted laws. If the sign says the cemetery closes at dusk, obtain permission to visit after hours. If you accidentally stay past dusk, or were not aware of the rules, keep in mind that you are wrong and leave cheerfully and quickly when you realize your mistake. Obviously, if the gate is locked, it is a private cemetery whether it is posted or not.
During the day and even at night you might find other people in the cemetery. These people could be genealogists, historians, or family members visiting the deceased. Other people might be photographers, headstone transcribers, or someone doing gravestone rubbings. These people deserve the same treatment you should expect, which is respectful silence. Talking loudly about ghosts may distract and/or offend any other visitors, and if you are near someone visiting a recently deceased family member, your comments might be in the worst possible taste.
Do not approach strangers unless they first initiate conversation. Even if you think you are alone in a cemetery, it is always best to speak in subdued tones.
As on any investigation, do not smoke in the cemetery. If you absolutely must smoke, then it is time to end the investigation. Smoke of any kind can cause false positives in still photos and on video. The smell alone could mask any other important scents present.
Something that might not initially be as obvious is not to bring pets into a cemetery. You are not on a walk in the park. If you must bring a pet along, they must be on a sturdy leash and always clean up after your pet (you know what I mean.) Loud barking might be a sign that a ghost is present, but at the same time, it might frighten off other entities.
ALSO, do not leave your pet alone in your car, especially on a hot day. It is best to just leave them either at home or at a kennel.
Always respect the property in a graveyard. Do not lean or sit on any headstones. I have heard of people using shaving cream to reveal inscriptions on old headstones. Do not do this! Shaving cream contains ingredients that contribute to decay. If you cannot read the inscription, hold a flashlight at a sharp angle to it, and it will reveal more than shaving cream could.
Remember, a graveyard is the “home” of the deceased. They might consider your presence trespassing on their property. Step carefully over graves, and never litter.
Never remove anything! This includes plants, markers, badges, ribbons, flowers, and in some cases rocks and leaves. Leave everything as you found it.
Having said that, please pick up any litter and dispose of it in the waste receptacle.
