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More often than not, bodies are buried in US cemeteries with the head on the west end of the grave.
Wondering why this is, we did some research. While it might not defeat every fraudulent life insurance claim we encounter, the results were interesting enough to print.
Among other things, Jesus was supposed to have been facing west when he died on the Cross. From Calvary, you face west to face the Temple. This is believed to be the reason so many are buried facing west.
Meanwhile, however, some Christians believe in facing east when praying, so their dead get buried facing east.
Muslims bury their dead facing toward Mecca. That means, regardless of the direction, everyone in one local area will be buried in the same direction. As in, what’s your local direction?
Jews are supposed to be buried with their feet toward the east so that when they get resurrected, they are already facing toward Jerusalem. But on a globe, that only works in some places. Dispersed Jews, those who go by that facing Jerusalem notion, will orient their dead so that they are facing the correct direction when they stand up. Those who go solidly by tradition of facing east will continue to place their dead in the same direction as their forefathers. Meanwhile, other Jews prefer to have their head pointing toward Jerusalem, so that, throughout eternity, it is closer to Jerusalem.
Samoans, and Fijis bury their dead facing west so their bodies can face the direction in which their souls have gone (toward the setting sun).
Bronze Age tribes often buried their dead in the same direction, which direction they choose will be lost to some forgotten tradition. One group of Bronze Age peoples buried everyone with their heads to the south and with females facing west and males facing east.
Fascinating, my Dear Watson.
MORE BURIAL BELIEFS
Muslims and Death & Dying
Devout Muslims bury their dead so that they are facing Mecca. Death, of the process of dying, are often extremely important spiritual times for Muslims. Patients (and family) appreciate being surrounded by family and friends who recite prayers and verses from the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Burial takes place as soon as possible after a death. In some sects, family and friends may wish to prepare the body by a ritualistic washing and wrapping it in white cloth. Muslims do not believe in body mutilation, even after death, so autopsies are generally not ordered unless required by law. In recent times, however, organ transplantation — with family permission — is approved.
Jewish Dying Customs
There are many similarities between the Jewish and Muslim customs. Burial generally takes place within 24 hours, unless the death is too close to the Sabbath (when, in Orthodox circles, travel is prohibited.) Prior to death, the patient or a family member will recite the confessional or the affirmation of faith (shema),. Judaic law says that someone should stay with the patient before and after death. The soul is believed to leave the body at the time of death. Ritualistic washing may occur among the Orthodox, and the positioning of the body includes closed eyes, mouth, the covering of all incisions, and the hands and arms extended at the sides of the body. The body is then draped with a sheet. After the death, there is a seven day mourning period called “Shiva” during which a special prayer (the Kaddish) is recited twice a day, sun up and sun down, by a “minion.” (Ten men.) As a matter of honoring the dead, the Kaddish will be recited by family members on each Sabbath for one year, and then on the anniversary of the death thereafter. “Yahrtzeit” candles are also burned at these times. A Jewish grave is initially unmarked. There is a special ceremony for the official marking of the grave. This ceremony, the “unveiling,” occurs between six and 12 months after the death, and is very important.
Mexican-American Death Rituals
Most Mexican-Americans adhere to Catholicism, which translates to prayer being an important part of the death rituals. Death is accepted as a natural part of life, and family is increasingly important at such times. The Mexican version of a wake is a “velorio,” an almost festive watch over the body of the deceased person before burial. Bodies are often buried within 24 hours, even here in the States, in keeping with Mexican law (which requires it.). In many cases, the custom from Mexico to erect an altar (in the family home) in honor of the deceased on the anniversary of his/her death is adhered to. Dia de los Mueros (the Day of the Dead) takes place on November 2; candles are lit and a family picnic is often held at the grave site — with the family praying and singing and sometimes spending the night
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