Are headstones placed at the head or feet?

Headstones will be placed at the head of the grave and centered. Headstones will be placed in a straight line with the headstones to the left and right of the grave. The cemetery caretaker will place 3 stakes on each grave where a headstone is to be set.

Is a headstone at the feet?

A footstone is a marker at the foot of a grave. The footstone lies opposite the headstone, which is usually the primary grave marker.

Which direction should a headstone face?

Origin of a Headstone Facing East

Several scriptures also discuss the resurrection of Christ and how He will come from the east. This explains why many consider Christ to be the “Light of the World,” or the “rising sun.” This is also the main reason many church altars point east.

How are graves positioned?

Regardless of religious connections, graves facing east are far more predominant than graves facing any other direction. Many cemeteries, churches, and funeral homes set certain restrictions such as burying the dead facing the east for ease of maintenance and aesthetic purposes.

Are bodies buried behind or in front of headstone?

The answer to that is in the name. If it IS a “headstone” the stone will be at the head of the casket; on the side where the writing is. Or if it is a marker that is flat to the ground, you would see the grave of that person, with the marker at the head of the grave.

Clerk Explains Headstones at Feet

What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?

If you've ever visited a cemetery, we're sure you may have noticed the different types of stones that mark graves; some are more ornate than others. Essentially, a gravestone is placed at the head of the grave, and a headstone is placed at the foot of the grave.

Why do we bury bodies 6 feet deep?

To Protect the Corpse from Being Stolen. Snatching dead bodies was common in many parts of England and Scotland in the early 1800s. Therefore, graves were always dug six feet deep to prevent body snatchers from gaining access to the buried remains.

Are graves always 6 feet deep?

There is no nationwide rule that says graves must be 6 feet deep. Rules vary from state to state and city to city.

Are graves still 6 feet deep?

For the most part, graves dug today are not 6 feet deep. For single gravesites, roughly 4 feet deep is closer to the norm. An exception is double- or even triple-depth plots.

Why shouldnt you walk on graves?

Yes, it is disrespectful. Always walk between the headstones and avoid standing on top of a gravesite. Be considerate of other mourners. If a funeral is taking place, stay out of the way of the procession and burial.

Why do coffins go feet first?

Coffins are carried feet first simply because of health and safety, rather than any kind of ceremonial tradition.

Why do all headstones face east?

Why are graves always facing east in cemeteries? to face the rising sun.

Why are husbands buried on the left?

One theory is that long ago husbands decided their wives belonged on their left side, the side closest to their heart. Other theories hold this placement is a reflection of a couple's wedding day. When walking down the aisle, the man is traditionally standing to the right of his bride.

Why do some graves have a foot stone?

A footstone is a grave marker or monument that lies at the foot of a burial grave. Footstones are always placed at the headstone's opposite end of the grave. These stones are used to mark the foot of a grave, serving as a boundary line for the burial plot.

What is the purpose of a foot stone on a grave?

The footstone lies opposite the headstone, which is usually the primary grave marker. As indicated, these markers are usually stone or bronze. The footstone may simply mark the foot of a grave, serving as a boundary marker for the grave plot, but more often provide additional information about the interred decedent.

How is headstone attached to base?

The upper headstone section is called the "die" or "tablet" which sits on top of a base stone. The die and base are attached together with monument setting compound. Sometimes people refer to the base as the foundation. However, the foundation is normally made of concrete and is set into the ground.

Do graves sink over time?

What is grave subsidence? Grave subsidence refers to the appearance of graves 'sinking'. This is an entirely natural process caused by loosened soil settling into place and the natural process of the coffin collapsing overtime.

What does a buried body look like after 1 year?

For the most part, however, if a non-embalmed body was viewed one year after burial, it would already be significantly decomposed, the soft tissues gone, and only the bones and some other body parts remaining.

How long do coffins last underground?

If you are looking at a long-lasting ground casket, pick a steel or metal casket. If the grave site is low on water content or moisture, metal caskets are known to last even longer, over five decades. Under favorable weather conditions, experts say that metal caskets may even last more than that – up to 80 years.

Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.

Can you walk over graves?

Do their best to not walk over the graves. Common sense leads you to know the basic shape of a grave; walk in between the headstones, and don't stand on top of a burial place. Follow cemetery rules. Most have a sign near the entrance stating hours, rules about decorations, etc.

Do bugs get in caskets?

Once buried, most caskets cannot keep bugs out indefinitely due to the natural decomposition process. However, some measures – such as the use of burial vaults and airtight seals – can keep bugs out for hundreds or even thousands of years.

What does the Bible say about cremation?

In 2 Kings 23:16-20, Josiah took the bones out of the tomb, burned them on the altar, and “defiled it.” However, nowhere in the Old Testament does the Bible command the deceased cannot be burned, nor are there any judgments attached to those that have been cremated.

What's the difference between a casket and a coffin?

a coffin and a casket? The difference is basically one of design. Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of better quality timbers and feature higher standards of workmanship.

How long can you survive buried alive?

(Note: If you're buried alive and breathing normally, you're likely to die from suffocation. A person can live on the air in a coffin for a little over five hours, tops. If you start hyperventilating, panicked that you've been buried alive, the oxygen will likely run out sooner.)