Why Are We Buried 6 Feet Deep?
Burial rites have been in place for centuries, and there are various customs and rituals that deviate from culture to culture. One constant, however, is that when it comes to burial, humans are placed in the ground and covered with soil. But why is it that the common practice is to bury someone six feet deep?
Religious Traditions
The “six feet under” practice doesn’t seem to have any particular rhyme or reason when you first examine it, and the exact origins of the practice are somewhat uncertain. In some cases, it is believed that the practice can be traced back to religious texts. For example, according to the Torah, one must be buried close to the first humans in the Garden of Eden, who were said to be buried six cubits deep.
Plague Prevention
Another explanation for the common practice of burying the dead six feet under is believed to be a result of the bubonic plague, which killed millions of people in the 14th century. This was at a time when disease was rampant and people believed that by burying the dead deep, they could prevent the spread of the illness by “controlling” the air flow.
Death Rituals
Of course, burial rituals differ across cultures and religions, so aside from the practical purpose of preventing disease, there are also spiritual reasons for the tradition. For some, burying the dead deep has more to do with the finality of death and the need to honor the deceased by burying them deeply and with great respect.
In summary:
- Religious Traditions: It is believed that the practice of burying the dead six feet deep can be traced back to religious texts.
- Plague Prevention: During times of great illness, people believed that by burying the dead deep, they could prevent the spread of the illness.
- Death Rituals: For some, burying the dead deep has more to do with the need to honor the deceased by burying them deeply and with great respect.
Today, the tradition of “six feet under” has been placed in collective consciousness, and in some cases, even legally mandated. Although the exact origins of the practice may be uncertain, it has remained an integral part of funeral customs throughout the millennia.
2. Is 6 feet the accepted standard depth for burials worldwide?
No, 6 feet is not the accepted standard depth for burials worldwide. Historically, depth of burial has varied depending on culture, region, climate, religion, and other factors. In some areas, it is common to bury individuals just below the surface, while in other areas burials may be as deep as 8 or 10 feet.
1. What is the history behind the practice of burying people 6 feet deep?
The practice of burying people 6 feet deep dates back to the 1665 Great Plague in England. However, the exact origin of this practice is unknown and is popularly believed to be related to the notion that the depth of 6 feet was seen as a safe distance from any possible contamination. This practice was later adopted in other countries as a way to reduce the spread of communicable diseases in the area.