From Here to Eternity: A Study of How the Peace of the Grave is Interpreted in Practice

As the result of urbanisation, densification and Sweden’s move towards a multicultural society there will, within a few years, be a shortage of burial plots in Sweden’s metropolitan areas. Then new land for burial is needed, alternatively it is possible to reuse existing burial plots. However, Swedish law provides for peace of the grave which means it is illegal to damage or move human remains.

But there is uncertainty about what this means in practice at cemeteries.

The cemeteries are also protected cultural historical environments something that adds to the complexity about what changes that are possible in the cemetery landscape.

To solve challenges with lack of space, and to contribute to reach sustainable cities and cemeteries that welcome both coffin and urn burial, there is a need for knowledge about the term peace of the grave, and what limitations it implies.

The purpose of this project is to study and problematize the implications of perpetual peace of the grave in Sweden now and over the past 150-years.

It aims to spread knowledge about the term and contribute to national guidelines for the reuse of burial plots with regard to different faith orientations. Furthermore, it wishes to initiate a policy debate on peace of the grave in relation to future burial needs.

The project consists of different qualitative methods: document study, literature review, interviews and case study and will be conducted in close cooperation with the burial authority.