Christian Burials?

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Pilgrim P
Pilgrim Aug 27, 2005 09:55:10
Replying to Brother Johnno

>I'm still slightly confused however as all the graves and headstones in my particular local country churchyard face West, so does that mean the coffin would be laid feet against the headstone end in order to face East?<

Wouldn't have thought so, BJ; to my mind - sparse as it is - the convention is to put the head end at the headstone end. Perhaps the incumbent recumbents are facing to catch the last rays of the evening sun......or, as TE says, they are all "pagan" (spiritually pre-Christian) - I thought that was mainly a north/south orientation, but I've been wrong before......

Peace

Pilgrim

B Brother Johnno
Brother Johnno Aug 27, 2005 20:48:38
Replying to Pilgrim

Hi!
yes it seems the church does also lay East-West with the entrance and lych gate facing west whilst the parishioners would sit inside facing East.
The graves are located to the rear of the church for the most part and the headstone inscriptions face west toward the back of the church (so the theory that they are looking at the setting sun would be right in this case). I would have to assume the dead would have to have their feet at headstone end in order to face east?
Seems unlikely though doesn't it?
I may go and sneak a look at the next burial (if thats not too disrespectful)
Thanks for the info folks,
BJx