Final answer:
Oakwood Cemetery signifies the 19th-century attitude shift towards cemeteries in America, from purely burial grounds to park-like spaces for social engagement and remembrance. It exemplifies the evolution from elaborate monuments to the more recent trend of uniform, maintenance-friendly memorial gardens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Oakwood Cemetery is a reflection of the evolving attitudes toward cemeteries and burial practices in American history. Originating in the 19th century, such cemeteries were created during a time when burial places began to serve dual purposes: they offered tranquil settings for reflection and also became places for the living to engage socially. These cemeteries were sometimes designed to resemble parks, as places to stroll or even picnic, reflecting a less morbid perspective on death and remembrance.
In areas with diverse populations, like Los Angeles, this tradition has continued in some immigrant communities, where families may be seen gathering near the gravesites of relatives in a manner that indicates a more comfortable relationship with death and the notion of burial.
Furthermore, these park-like cemeteries had a lasting influence on the design of public park spaces across the United States. They often contain elaborate monuments and mausoleums, although over time these can become difficult to maintain. In recent times, the cost and maintenance associated with traditional cemeteries have driven the popularity of more uniform and maintenance-friendly memorial gardens.