mgb_phys said:In early christian (through the middle ages) bodies were buried so that when they rose up they would be facing east - the rising sun representing christ/redeemer.
So actualy feet east, heads west - presumably they spring up like someone was pulling the up by the nose.
Of course a lot of non-christian societies worshipped the sun, that's where the christians got the idea from, but worrying about the body after death is generally a christian thing (except forthe egyptians of course!)
The SW-NE orientation is significant because it aligns with the rising and setting of the sun, which was considered a sacred direction in many ancient heathen cultures. It also aligns with the movement of the stars and planets, which were often seen as deities or ancestors by these cultures.
There are several pieces of evidence that suggest the SW-NE orientation was intentional. Archaeological excavations have revealed consistent patterns of burials in this orientation across different time periods and cultures. Additionally, the orientation often aligns with important landscape features or other sacred sites, indicating a deliberate placement. Lastly, some burials have been found with objects or markings that indicate a specific religious or cultural significance to the SW-NE orientation.
No, not all ancient heathen cultures practiced the SW-NE orientation in their burials. While it was a common practice in many cultures, there are also examples of burials in other orientations such as east-west or north-south. This may be due to regional or cultural variations, as well as individual beliefs and traditions.
In addition to religious and cultural beliefs, other factors such as topography, climate, and available burial space may have influenced the orientation of ancient heathen burials. For example, burials in mountainous regions may have been oriented towards the nearest sacred peak, while burials in flat, open landscapes may have been oriented towards the rising or setting sun.
The SW-NE orientation in ancient heathen burials has influenced modern burial practices in various ways. Some modern heathen or pagan communities may choose to bury their deceased loved ones in the SW-NE orientation as a way to honor and connect with their ancestral traditions. However, for the majority of modern burials, practical considerations such as cemetery layout and available space tend to be the primary factors in determining the orientation of graves.