Have you ever wondered why graves are dug 6 feet deep? It's a question that has puzzled many people over the years. There are many theories about why this tradition started, but no one knows the true answer. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular theories and try to uncover the truth behind this mysterious practice.
The Plague Theory
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-678818383-b34a7aa283284a808d5dc67b7196ea10.jpg)
One of the most popular theories about why graves are dug 6 feet deep is the plague theory. During the bubonic plague, which swept through Europe in the 14th century, millions of people died. To prevent the spread of the disease, it was believed that burying bodies 6 feet deep would prevent the disease from spreading to the living.
While this theory makes sense, there is no evidence to support it. The bubonic plague was transmitted through fleas that lived on rats, not through the soil. Additionally, graves were not dug to a specific depth during the plague. Instead, bodies were buried wherever there was room.
The Depth of Decay Theory
Another theory about why graves are dug 6 feet deep is the depth of decay theory. This theory suggests that bodies buried at a depth of 6 feet will decompose faster than bodies buried at shallower depths. The idea is that the soil at 6 feet is warmer and contains more microorganisms that help break down the body.
While there is some truth to this theory, it is not the main reason why graves are dug 6 feet deep. The rate of decomposition varies depending on the environment, and there is no evidence to suggest that bodies buried at 6 feet decompose significantly faster than bodies buried at shallower depths.
The Resurrectionists Theory
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-678818383-b34a7aa283284a808d5dc67b7196ea10.jpg)
The resurrectionists theory is perhaps the most interesting theory about why graves are dug 6 feet deep. During the 18th and 19th centuries, medical schools needed bodies for dissections and research. To meet this demand, resurrectionists would steal bodies from graves and sell them to medical schools.
To prevent resurrectionists from stealing bodies, graves were dug deeper. It was believed that the deeper the grave, the more difficult it would be for resurrectionists to dig up the body. While this theory has some merit, it is not the main reason why graves are dug 6 feet deep.
The Safe Distance Theory
The safe distance theory is another popular theory about why graves are dug 6 feet deep. This theory suggests that burying bodies at a depth of 6 feet will prevent animals from digging up the body. It was believed that burying a body deeper would make it more difficult for animals to smell the decomposing flesh and dig it up.
While this theory has some merit, there is no evidence to support it. Animals are capable of digging to depths greater than 6 feet, and burying a body deeper would not necessarily prevent animals from digging it up.
The Legal Requirement Theory
/GettyImages-678818383-b34a7aa283284a808d5dc67b7196ea10.jpg)
The legal requirement theory is perhaps the most boring theory about why graves are dug 6 feet deep. This theory suggests that graves are dug to a depth of 6 feet because it is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. The idea is that burying bodies deeper will prevent the spread of disease and protect the environment.
While this theory may be true in some places, it is not the main reason why graves are dug 6 feet deep. The legal requirement varies from place to place, and there are many places where graves are dug to shallower depths.
The Final Word
So, why are graves dug 6 feet deep? The truth is that no one knows for sure. There are many theories about why this tradition started, but none of them can be proven. It is likely that the tradition started for a combination of reasons, including the need to prevent the spread of disease, the need to protect the environment, and the need to prevent the theft of bodies.
Regardless of the reason why graves are dug 6 feet deep, it is a tradition that has been around for hundreds of years. It is a reminder of our mortality and a way to honor those who have passed away. So the next time you visit a graveyard, take a moment to reflect on the history and tradition behind the 6 feet deep grave.