What Happens When Someone is Buried in a Wall?

Being buried in a wall may sound like something out of a horror film, but it has actually happened in several civilizations and religions throughout history. The wealthy and powerful were frequently buried in ornate tombs, some of which were carved into the walls of pyramids, in ancient Egypt, where it was a customary practice.

Other societies have also been known to practice wall burial, such as China, where relatives would frequently be interred within the walls of their ancestral dwellings. But nowadays, being buried in a wall is highly uncommon and often against the law.

So why would someone choose to be buried inside a wall or mausoleum? Some people see it as a means to pay tribute to the departed and give them a secure place to rest forever. Due to their frequent high cost and intricate design, mausoleums and wall tombs can also be considered as prestige symbols.

The reason that people are buried without shoes is another frequently asked issue. The response is actually extremely useful. Decomposing bodies naturally take a long time, therefore leaving shoes on a body can delay this process. In addition, shoes can obstruct important space in a coffin or tomb, which is problematic in mausoleums or cemeteries that are already crowded. The custom of burying corpses six feet underground also has a functional purpose. This depth is thought to be sufficient to deter scavengers and animals from removing the body. The natural decomposition process is also slowed down by this depth, which can help stop the spread of illness.

Last but not least, why are graves’ feet marked with headstones? This custom originated during the time of the plague, when victims’ bodies were interred in large graves. Headstones were positioned at the feet rather than the head in order to conserve space and guarantee that each burial was identified. This custom spread and eventually became typical in cemeteries.

In summary, being buried in a wall is an uncommon behavior that has been documented historically in some societies. While some may find it weird, it is a way to commemorate the deceased and provide them a place of eternal rest. In modern cemeteries, it is normal practice to bury people without shoes, six feet below the ground, and with headstones placed at the foot of the graves.