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Cemeteries in Finland spark debate over foraging practices as opinions divide on appropriateness

Monday 22nd 2024 on 10:07 in  
Finland

Cemeteries in Finland have been expanded over the years, creating natural spaces along their edges where berries and mushrooms grow during the summer. This has sparked a recent debate on social media about whether foraging in cemeteries is appropriate.

Liisa Huhta, a gardener for the Kangasala parish, expresses her personal opinion that cemeteries should not be seen as places for berry picking or mushroom hunting. Some cemeteries, like Tampere’s largest cemetery in Kalevankangas, feature fruit trees, such as plum trees, which are often harvested by visitors in the autumn. In Kangasala, while edible berry bushes have not been widely planted in cemeteries, ornamental apple trees are present to enhance the landscape. Huhta emphasizes the importance of respecting these grounds, describing them as serene resting places.

Päivi Selin, another gardener for the Tampere parishes, takes a more lenient view. She notes that blueberries and other berries grow primarily in wooded areas rather than disturbed ground and believes it is acceptable for people to enjoy these berries, provided they behave appropriately while on cemetery grounds.

There is currently no unified guidance from the Church Administration on the issue of foraging in cemeteries. Generally, cemeteries are public spaces subject to local order laws, allowing parishes considerable autonomy in establishing their own rules. While regulations stipulate that silence and dignity must be maintained, foraging itself is not explicitly prohibited.

As customs among cemetery visitors evolve, Huhta reflects on the changes she has observed, noting the increasing presence of vehicles and e-scooters that were uncommon in the past. She urges visitors using these modes of transport to remain cautious and respectful of their surroundings.

Source 
(via yle.fi)