Signing of the “Charter for Cemetery Culture”
The most important institutions and associations in the German cemetery sector have sent a clear signal for the preservation and further development of cemeteries by jointly signing the "Cemetery Culture Charter" in 2021. The manifesto articulates the value of cemetery culture for people and our society. At the same time, the Charter defines a common understanding of terms for public discourse on cemetery culture and highlights the great diversity of this cultural asset.
“Every person has the right to a dignified burial in a cemetery and to respectful remembrance,” reads the first of the eleven guiding principles of the Charter, which outlines all relevant aspects of cemetery culture in easily understandable terms. It addresses not only the deeply human questions surrounding mourning and remembrance, but also emphasizes the cultural, social, historical, and integrative aspects of cemetery culture. Among other things, it underscores the ecological value of cemeteries and the reminder of peace and international understanding that emanates from graves and memorials to the victims of war.
In March 2020, the Cemetery culture in Germany It has been included in the nationwide register of intangible cultural heritage. The charter therefore emphasizes the societal importance of this cultural asset in its final sentence: "Preserving cemetery culture in Germany as intangible cultural heritage in the sense of UNESCO, adapting it to people's needs and developing it further, is a responsibility of society as a whole."
A key objective of the Charter for Cemetery Culture is to collectively emphasize the value of cemeteries for people and our society. Therefore, all stakeholders in the cemetery sector and supporting institutions, as well as all cities and municipalities as responsible custodians of this cultural asset, are now called upon to join the Charter for Cemetery Culture. Further information, including details on how to join, can be found at [website address]. www.charta-friedhofskultur.de.
The points in detail
Every person has the right to a dignified burial in a cemetery and to be honored in remembrance.
Cemetery culture in Germany is an indispensable part of our social life.
Our established mourning rituals – with burial in the cemetery as the central framework – ensure a dignified farewell in a timely manner.
Saying goodbye and helping people to process death and grief.
As places of encounter and shared remembrance, cemeteries are irreplaceable social spaces that are accessible to everyone.
Cemeteries are identity-forming cultural spaces in our pluralistic society with great unifying power.
Cemeteries offer people valuable space to live and shape their faith.
As green spaces, cemeteries actively contribute to climate and nature conservation and are places of biodiversity.
Designing graves as small gardens of remembrance with a memorial stone is a unique cultural form that expresses appreciation for the deceased and supports mourning through active engagement.
As self-writing history books, cemeteries are of high historical significance and must be maintained in accordance with their status as monuments.
Graves and monuments for the victims of war and tyranny are cornerstones of the culture of remembrance, serving as a reminder of the need for peace and contributing to understanding between nations and cultures.
Preserving cemetery culture in Germany as intangible cultural heritage in the sense of UNESCO, adapting it to the needs of the people and developing it further, is a responsibility of society as a whole.
Signatories
Dirk Backen, Secretary General
Martin Struck, Board Member
Uwe Stapelmann, Board Member
Dr. Martin Venne, Board Member
Uwe Brinkmann, Board Member
Stephan Neuser, Managing Director
Sybille Trawinski, Managing Director
Nicole Jahr, Managing Director
Not present for signing.
