During which historical period were cemeteries used as parks for social activities, such as walks and picnics?

The Victorian era is known for its significant cultural shift regarding attitudes towards death and mourning, which included the transformation of cemeteries into places of beauty and social engagement. This period saw a move away from the somber, utilitarian burial grounds of previous times, with the creation of elaborate garden cemeteries designed to be inviting spaces for the living as well as the resting places for the dead. Notable examples include Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, which were designed not only for burials but also to serve as landscaped parks.

During the Victorian era, these cemeteries featured walking paths, ornamental trees, and carefully designed memorials, turning them into public parks where families could stroll, reflect, and even picnic. This reflected a romanticization of death, where it was intertwined with nature and beauty, allowing for a contemplative space that encouraged social activities. The approach to cemeteries during this time was quite innovative, emphasizing aesthetics and community engagement.

In contrast, the Colonial era primarily saw simpler burial practices, while the Industrial Revolution focused more on urban development and less on public social spaces. The modern era continues to evolve in its approach to cemeteries, but it does not fully encapsulate the specific