- NEW!
by Robert McLaren on June 13th, 2005
'We' have the Great Plague of 1665 in London to thank for the expression "6 feet under." This tragic recurrence of the Bubonic Plague (which first decimated Europe in the 14th century) was the impetus for the law requiring dead bodies to be buried at least 6 feet below ground.
The comprehensive cemetery site, City of the Silent, addresses the matter on its page of frequently asked questions. English law once required a burial depth of 6 feet to ensure the corpse didn't spread the plague to the living. Of course, this measure was ineffective as fleas infected with the plague probably spread the disease. Also, few diseases are contracted from contact with dead bodies. The same site gives a rather gruesome description of early cemeteries as being "littered with bones and bits of charnel." Furthermore, shallow graves allowed scavengers (presumably both human and animal) to easily dig up the remains -- which makes a 6-foot-deep burial seem like a decent idea. Furthermore, it's a tradition to speak of 'six feet under, but it is no longer the law, with many places in the U.S. requiring lesser amounts.
http://www.alsirat.com/silence/
How do I address sympathy flowers?
by Answerbag Staff on January 4th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Do Yuman funeral songs have rattle instruments in them?
by Answerbag Staff on January 4th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What date did Strom Thurmond get buried?
by Answerbag Staff on January 1st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Should people go outside April 7,2011
by Irock4ever on April 6th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Name one thing that really ticks you off..
by Redundant on June 20th, 2011
| 8 people like this
You're reading Why is it traditional to bury the deceased 6 feet below the ground, why not 5 or 7 feet?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments