5 Reasons Why Graves Are Dug 6 Feet Deep.
The expression "6 feet under" is a common euphemism for death. It is based on the idea that the standard depth of a grave is 6 feet. But are all the graves in a cemetery that deep?
According to "Lovetoknow.com", There are many theories for where the 6-foot deep grave comes from, the most popular reasons include: being deep enough to accommodate the coffin or casket that will be buried, stopping animals from being able to dig up corpses; the maximum amount a gravedigger can stand and still shovel dirt out easily; and also to help contain odors.
This article will discuss the possible reasons why graves are dug 6 feet.
1. To Prevent the Spread of Disease.
According to "Everyday Health", People have not always understood how diseases spread. During disease outbreaks, they may have feared that bodies could transmit disease. While it is true that some illnesses like cholera and tuberculosis can infect people who handle bodies, this is not true for other diseases like the bubonic plague.
2. To be able to dig up a grave safely.
Although the condition of the soil varies depending on where the grave is dug, it has been suggested that given the dimensions of the grave, 6 feet is the maximum depth someone can safely dig a grave before the sides start caving in.
3. Prevents animals from digging up corpses.
This particular depth was mandated centuries ago because officials believed 6 feet of soil was sufficient to prevent animals from digging up corpses or prevent the disease from spreading to those who are living, especially during times of plague and the spread of infectious diseases.
4. To avoid farming machinery.
In rural areas, this depth is needed due to farming so bodies aren’t dug up by machinery.
5. Prevents odors.
Burying bodies as much as 6 feet deep helps contain odors that occur when the body decomposes and so won’t attract the attention of animals who may try to dig it up.
