Why in most graves is the head placed to the West and the feet are to the East?

Answer 1

At one time in Greek and Roman mythology, there were very special ways to bury someone as to which way the head or feet were to face and they used to place coins on the eyes of the dead for the boatman Charon to carry them across the river Styx which one had to go before their great reward or hell, which ever the case may be. If they had no coins for Charon, they had to wonder the banks of the river Styx for a hundred years before he would carry them across. Actually graves are not set in any particular direction at all, but they used to many years ago face east toward Mecca for some and toward the rising sun for Christians because that is the direction they expected Jesus to return to earth for Judgment Day.

Answer 2

I have never noticed that. Most of the graveyards I have seen have the graves in rows head to head and they seem to depend more upon efficient use of space than upon orientation to the sun.

Answer 3

I heard many of times that the reason we our buried this way is because when Jesus returns he will come from the West so when the dead rises they will be able to see him right off.

Answer 4

Jesus is coming from the East, and this is suppose to be so the dead can see Him when HE comes.

Answer 5

So they are facing the rising sun? Just guessing.

Answer 6

I was taught it was to rise(resurrect) in the direction of Jesus when he comes again.

Answer 7

I agree with Lyla... To Face MECCA!

Answer 8

to face Mecca

Answer 9

You got me...