Why Are The Graves Must Be Six Feet Under?

The Grave why are graves six feet deep

The Grave

Have you ever wondered why the graves are six feet deep?

Before the Black Death, the graves were not that deep. However, during the Black Plague in Europe, bodies of victims were not buried properly. As a result, it caused unpleasant side effects, such as the following:

1. Parts of dead bodies were exposed. This is where the term “boneyard” originated from.

2. Dead body parts decomposing on the surface did not alleviate the said health problem.

Which country that started this rule?

It was England that first mandated that dead bodies must be buried six feet deep or two meters from the surface. With this depth, they could

1. Bury two bodies in one place

2. Leave a cushion of two feet of soil above the buried body.

This means that one grave can have two (2) feet for the first body, two (2) feet for the second body and another two (2) feet of soil to separate the two coffins. It was assumed that each casket was two feet high.

3. The said rule would also safeguard the coffins against predators.

Could the depth of the graves be even deeper?

Yes. However, it might not be safe and reasonable for gravediggers. Plus, the distance is not deep enough to tackle water or rock when shoveling.