A cholera pandemic that hit England in the middle of the 19th century resulted in widespread panic and fatalities. It was thought that the sickness was spread by airborne miasma, or bad odors. The government as a result established a law mandating that all fresh graves be excavated at least six feet down. It was thought that this depth would shield the living from the dead and stop the spread of sickness. The six-foot depth was allegedly chosen because it was the bare minimum required to keep animals from digging up the graves and disturbing the bones, according to a different interpretation. This was especially crucial in locations where grave robbery was a worry or where wild animals were known to prowl.
Although there are rare outliers, the majority of burials are still dug to a depth of six feet nowadays. Graves may be shallower or deeper than six feet in places with high water levels or rocky terrain. In addition, some cemeteries now provide “green burials,” which entail placing the corpse in a grave that is not as deep and without embalming or a traditional coffin. These burials are said to be more sustainable and kind to the environment.
What then do grave diggers produce? Gravediggers, usually referred to as cemetery employees or groundskeepers, typically earn at or slightly above minimum wage. Graves must be dug and filled, the cemetery grounds must be maintained, and other duties may be assigned as needed. Although it might not be the most glamorous task, it is a crucial one that guarantees that our loved ones be buried with respect and dignity.
The reason that people are buried without shoes is another subject that is frequently raised. Tradition and personal taste are the main factors here. Burying someone with their shoes on is viewed as insulting by some, while others view it as a symbol of respect and safety. Before burial, it is traditional in some cultures to take off the deceased’s shoes as a sign of leaving the world of the living behind.
And last, why are graves fenced in? Again, tradition and pragmatism play a major role in this. In the past, fences were frequently used to delineate the perimeters of graves and keep animals out. They also gave mourners who visited the graves of their loved ones a sense of seclusion and security. Many cemeteries still have fences today, even if they could be more ornamental than practical. The belief that something bad will happen if you point at a cemetery is only a superstition with no basis in reality. There is no proof to back up certain people’s claims that pointing at a cemetery can bring bad luck or call ghosts, so don’t believe them. Cemeteries are actually serene locations where we can pay respect to the memory of the deceased.
In conclusion, burial customs have changed over time as a result of various traditions and beliefs that have shaped how we bury our loved ones. While the absence of shoes and the existence of fences are mostly questions of custom and practicality, the six-foot depth of graves is primarily a matter of public health and safety. Cemeteries may be the subject of superstitions, yet they are ultimately places of serenity and memory.
In general, it is forbidden to bury human remains on private property in New York State, including your own. Burials must take place in designated cemeteries or burial grounds, under the legislation. There are some exceptions, though, such as for family burial plots or if you secure the required licenses and adhere to particular regulations for a private burial on your land.
Private burials are only permitted in California under state law if you obtain the required licenses and meet certain standards, such as not being within 150 feet of a public water supply and possessing a plot of land that is at least two acres in size. Before making any preparations for a private burial on your own property, it’s necessary to check with your local authorities because local zoning and land use restrictions might also be applicable.