Introduction
London plague theory
Most sources say that the origin of the term came from 17th century London. During a plague that struck the city, the Lord Mayor of London sent out a decree that all of the city’s deceased be buried at least six feet deep. This was done so with the hope of curtailing the spread of the disease.
Why is Park Street Cemetery famous?
The Park Street Cemetery was one of the earliest non-church cemeteries in the world, and probably the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe and America in the 19th century.
Who are buried in Park Street Cemetery?
The burial ground is a heritage site that was in use from 1767 AD to 1830 AD and is home to the remains of 1,
How big is South Park Street Cemetery?
eight acres
The cemetery was named after ‘Park Street’ after the private deer park built by Sir Elijah Impey around Vansittart’s garden house. Spread across eight acres, the enclosure has an assortment of 1600 tombs of many notable European figures of the regal era.
Where is the most beautiful cemetery in the world?
20 Of The World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries
Waverley Cemetery, Sydney, Australia.
Cemetiere du Pere Lachaise, Paris, France.
Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague.
Merry Cemetery, Romania.
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, USA.
Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, USA.
Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Why do families go to the cemetery?
Visiting the grave of a loved one honors the memory of that person. It is a way of showing that this life had significance on Earth that is not forgotten. Some people view the entire process as spiritual. Being on hallowed ground is a source of comfort and peace; a place where contemplation and prayer seem so natural.
Are people still buried alive by accident?
Animals or humans may be buried alive accidentally on the mistaken assumption that they are dead, or intentionally as a form of torture, murder, or execution. It may also occur with the consent of the victim as a part of a stunt, with the intention to escape.
Why is the man 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.
Do they still dig graves by hand?
Graves are hand-dug if they are on a slope or wedged between headstones or trees, or if the coffin is for a small child. Families often buy a plot with a plan to add a second or third coffin months, years or decades later. Most of those graves are dug nine feet deep to accommodate three stacked coffins.
Why are we buried 6 feet under the ground?
The six feet under rule for burial may have come from a plague in London in 1665. The Lord Mayor of London ordered all the graves shall be at least six-foot deep. The order never said why six feet. Maybe deep enough to keep animals from digging up corpses.
Conclusion
There is no nationwide rule that says graves must be 6 feet deep. Rules vary from state to state and city to city.