By Pr Isaiah White
There is a well-known humorous story about a Catholic priest who lived near a cemetery. One night, two boys sneaked into the cemetery to steal mangoes. One of them climbed a tree while the other stayed on the ground, collecting the mangoes as they were thrown down.
After gathering a good number, they sat down to divide them equally, saying: “One for me, one for you.”
The priest, awakened by the voices, stepped outside and heard the words: “One for me, one for you.” Alarmed, he crept closer to the fence and, to his horror, confirmed that the voices were coming from inside the cemetery. Panicking, he ran to inform another clergyman, exclaiming: “Quick! Come! God and Satan are in the cemetery dividing the dead!”
The two men stood by the fence, straining to listen. Indeed, they heard the same chilling words: “One for me, one for you.” Convinced that a supernatural division of souls was taking place, they watched in terror. Then, one of the boys, remembering the two mangoes that had rolled near the fence, asked: “What about those two at the fence?”
Upon hearing this, the two clergymen, believing themselves to be the next in line, fled in absolute fear, screaming for help. The story amusingly illustrates how myths and fears surrounding graveyards can grip even the most devout.
Mystery of graveyards
Have you ever walked past a graveyard at night? How did it feel? What went through your mind? In many parts of Africa and around the world, graveyards are shrouded in mystery and superstition. Like the priest and the clergyman in the story, many people hold deep-seated beliefs about the dead and their resting places, often rooted in fear.
Uniqueness of human beings
Of all living and non-living things, human beings are the greatest of God’s creation. There is an aura surrounding humanity that sets it apart from all other creatures. This uniqueness is acknowledged not only by fellow humans but even by nature itself. This aura remains significant even in death. It is considered a taboo in many cultures for a human body to remain unburied (Jeremiah 7:33).
Death, afterlife
A human being consists of body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Because of this, numerous myths have arisen surrounding death. One of the most common is that when a person dies, some part of them continues to exist. Many cultures reject the idea of total extinction (Ecclesiastes 9:5), believing instead in a transition to another realm or a transformation into another state of being. Some believe that the dead hold mystical powers that can influence or contaminate the living (Numbers 19:11-22). This belief explains the careful rituals performed on the deceased, such as anointing with spices, as seen in John 11:17–44.
Burial grounds, their significance
Throughout history, cultures have designated burial places for their dead. Abraham, for instance, purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23). Similarly, the tomb where Jesus was buried belonged to Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-61). Burial sites hold great cultural and religious significance. Monuments, such as Rachel’s pillar (Genesis 35:20), serve as lasting memorials to the deceased. However, the reverence for burial places has also led to the mystification of the dead, which is why the Bible strictly forbids necromancy—the worship or communication with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11).
Common myths about graveyards
Graveyards are often seen as places of mystery and fear. Whether a sleek modern cemetery with polished marble headstones or an ancient burial site, people tend to feel uneasy around them. This fear has persisted for centuries, allowing superstitions to take root and flourish. Some of the most common graveyard myths include:
- Holding your breath while passing a cemetery protects you from wandering spirits.
- Wildflowers growing over a grave indicate that the deceased lived a virtuous life.
- Standing near an open grave is believed to cure minor ailments, such as toothaches.
- Whistling in a cemetery is thought to summon evil spirits.
- Mazes at cemetery entrances are meant to confuse wandering spirits and prevent them from escaping.
- Cemetery soil is believed to hold powerful mystical properties and should not be removed without consequence.
What are the myths in your culture?
Graveyards continue to be a source of fascination, fear, and mystery across cultures. Many of the myths we hold about them are deeply ingrained, passed down from generation to generation. What superstitions exist about graveyards in your community? Are they based on fear, tradition, or religious beliefs?
Regardless of these myths, one truth remains: while death is a universal reality, it is not the end. The way we honour and remember the dead varies across cultures, but what ultimately matters is the legacy we leave behind.
