Whistling in a cemetery is a way of summoning evil spirits (or, alternatively, lonely spirits). Some believe that cemeteries hold lingering souls. Whistling might lure those souls to you, because whistling is a common way to call out to someone.
The wiktionary.org definition of the phrase ''to whistle past the graveyard'' is really more of a 4-part explanation than a definition: ''To attempt to stay cheerful in a dire situation; to proceed with a task, ignoring an upcoming hazard, hoping for a good outcome.
Don't Point at Graveyards
If you do, locals believe that a spirit will latch onto you. Not only that, but they'll never let go, and you'll be stuck with this stray spirit for the rest of your life.
No running, yelling, or rolling around on the ground. This is not a place for childhood games. Don't let them play on any of the monuments. While it is good to get children used to paying respects at a cemetery, they often don't fully understand the meaning of everything in the cemetery.
idiom. informal. : to act or talk as if one is relaxed and not afraid when one is actually afraid or nervous. He shows a confident manner, but he may just be whistling past the graveyard.
Summon up courage in a frightening situation, make a show of bravery. For example, They knew they were lost and were just whistling in the dark. This expression alludes to a literal attempt to keep up one's courage. [ First half of 1900s]
Sound signals are also used to signal your distress to other boaters during an emergency. The 'S.O.S. ' emergency sound signal is three prolonged whistle blasts—then three short blasts—then three prolonged blasts—then pause and repeat.
To Symbolize Their Visit
Many people leave stones on a loved one's grave or memorial to mark their visit. The symbol of the stone can bring comfort to family and friends, letting them know their loved one has been visited, grieved and prayed for by others, too.
First of all, cremations are known to be much more cost-effective as there are no gravesite fees, caskets, cemetery fees, or headstones involved. Second of all, cremations are better for the environment as there is no land needed and no space required.
A bishop or his designee has the honor to impart a blessing on a new cemetery. He walks around the boundaries of the area while sprinkling holy water. He continues the sprinkling over the entire grounds.
Touch a Button if You See a Hearse
One of the more unusual folk beliefs, however, says that you should touch a button on your clothing if you spot a hearse to prevent it from collecting your body next. The basis for this is an old notion that touching a button will keep you “connected” to the living and life.
It is bad luck to meet a funeral procession head on. If you see one approching, turn around. If this is unavoidable, hold on to a button until the funeral cortege passes.
Whistling in a cemetery is a way of summoning evil spirits (or, alternatively, lonely spirits). Some believe that cemeteries hold lingering souls. Whistling might lure those souls to you, because whistling is a common way to call out to someone.
Whistling in the theatre is considered bad luck. This superstition started in the middle of the 1600s when theatrical scenery began to fly. Sailors had extensive knowledge of ropes, rigging and knots and were hired backstage as run crew.
In many cultures, whistling or making whistling noises in the morning is thought to attract good luck, good things, or good spirits. In the UK there is a superstitious belief in the "Seven Whistlers" which are seven mysterious birds or spirits who call out to foretell death or a great calamity.
Respect the graves.
People often leave tributes to remember their loved ones, and the cemetery staff has been instructed not to remove anything. Is it disrespectful to walk on graves? Yes, it is disrespectful. Always walk between the headstones and avoid standing on top of a gravesite.
Over time, however, the soil will settle, and the pockets of air will gradually be removed. This will result in a denser soil – and the surface of the grave will appear to have dropped. The technical term for this change is grave subsidence, but it is often referred to as grave sinking.
When seen on a cemetery headstone or gravemarker, two clasped hands on the same level with matching cuffs typically represent: A farewell/goodbye to earthly life. The continuity/unity of life and death as a human condition. A greeting/welcome to eternal life.
Definition of 'pay one's last respects'
If you pay your last respects to someone who has just died, you show your respect or affection for them by coming to see their body or their grave. The son had nothing to do with arranging the funeral, but came along to pay his last respects.
Prayer upon Entering a Cemetery
Blessed are you Adonai, Our G-d, King of the Universe, Who fashioned you with justice, nourished and sustained you with justice, took your lives with justice, and knows the sum total of you all with justice, and He will restore and resuscitate you with justice.
One short blast tells other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my port (left side)." Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side." Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am backing up."
Do you know how to signal SOS? Use 6 blasts of a whistle followed by a pause of 1 minute and then a repetition of 6 blasts. If your signals are heard, there should be an answering whistle - 3 blasts followed by a pause of 1 minute, repeated several times. Continue to signal until you have been found.