Camping in Cemeteries to Save Cash
By Rocky Thompson on December 1st, 2009
Peaceful, no crowds.
A small town in Australia popular with backpackers has hung signage warning hikers and travelers passing through that they could face a $50 fine if they’re caught sleeping in the local cemetery. People have been sacking up for the night to avoid paying for a campsite that allows fires and marshmallow roasting. I enjoy walking through old cemeteries and harbor a deep logic that prevents me from unnecessary worry about zombie uprisings, but I still wouldn’t bivy up surrounded by corpses to save $20.
When I first got to Japan, I was surprised to see that picnics are often held in cemeteries, particularly around cherry blossom time. Everyone drinks, eats, and has a good time. Much of the custom probably has something to do with the shortage of open space in the cities. Still, I was relieved to find out that the occupants rarely complained.
^ And since Japan is a Buddhist/Shintoist country, there isn’t much of a chance of zombies getting you– they burn the dead and only leave the ashes in the cemeteries. The oba-sans with their shopping carts and loogies are a much bigger threat.
The Japanese, and Chinese too, go to the cemetaries to pay their respects to their ancestors. There are different times and reasons for going.