The land ultimately belongs to the church. Families do, however, own plots and have deeds to them in my area of the state. Usually, you are buried in the tomb your grandfather and great grandfather also used. In some cases the tomb becomes abandoned and falls into disrepair. At that time the property reverts to the church and they can re-sell it.
November 1 was "All Souls' Day" which traditionally is a day for remembrance of your ancestors. Families would attend mass, then change into work clothes and go into the cemetary to clean and paint the tombs that your family owned. Fresh flowers are placed and then the whole family has lunch somewhere.
All of our courthouses are closed every year on November 1. It's also said that the Cajun culture has a "joie de vivre" and belief in the spiritual that makes us love Halloween, but our strong religious ties have us combat it by honoring the dead on the next day.
to post a reply:
login - or -
register