A question about Catholics buried facing east that draws upon a millennium of tradition, symbolism, and change within the Catholic Church. Although east-facing burials are a historical tradition, their significance has shifted over time, and the tradition is not consistently followed today. The roots of east-west and other rigid patterns reach back to long before the advent of Christianity. In ancient societies like the Greeks and Egyptians, tombs were historically built in such a way to align with celestial phenomena observed at sunrise. Early Christians had observed the practice and they added their own symbolic twist to it.
For early Christians, these were among the reasons they faced east in burial:
- To wait for Christ to return again; The direction from which Christ was said to arise at Revelation 7.2 and Ezekiel 46 where Scripture says God shall come — See also Matthew 24.27: “Through lightning is known by all mankind, likewise His second coming will be seen”–[I.E.] From East [His issue as a bridegroom out Phoenix Bird’s nest-Resurrection–starting with Sunday].
- Resurrection imagery: The sun rising in the east represented new beginnings, life, and resurrection; a parallel of His own resurrection by Christians also living in hope that one day they will rise again.
- Heaven: was usually imagined as the Garden of Eden because it is located in the east, and heaven became a symbolic paradise on earth where faith will finally arrive.
- “Liturgical alignment” — as in, churches were built with the altar facing east and Christians buried by church communities also faced east when placed into their graves symbolizing this unity of worship across both life and death.
Throughout much of the history of the Catholic Church as well, burial facing east was observed. Afterward, this orientation was often the factor to consider in laying out cemeteries and became a traditional direction of burial enshrined with Catholic customs across regions. It is worthy of note, however, that even at those times when it prevailed as a custom, this was never an official dogma or dictate of the Catholic Church. The Church always emphasized more the dignity of treating human remains than their location from east to westerly orientations, with an eye on bodily resurrection.
In modern times, a few factors have contributed to making east-facing burial somewhat more rare:
- Implementation practices: Modern burial of the time often means that graves are lined up in an efficient manner and rows with respect to what makes sense for maintaining them.
- Changing urban landscapes: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and other new locations were well outside town—the old Jewish neighborhoods had long since been occupied by tar-pavement cemeteries—all this was prior to air travel leveling the globe—eastward orientation became increasingly difficult as cities grew and established their own cemeteries.
- A Theological Shift: Now the Church emphasizes more of what it believes is really happening in the funeral rite, not where physically (or spiritually) grave is located.
- Cultural differences: Different cultures have their own customs and traditions, which can affect the burial method of a person in such types there are also graves oriented toward different photos.
- Choices by family: In addition to considerations of view and placement, personal factors such as Donald’s meaning can influence the burial orientation.
Current Church Practices The Catholic rite of burial is governed by the Code of Canon Law and also its corresponding United States complementary norms, as well as to some extent within the Order for Christian Funerals. Foremost among the concerns of the Church are ensuring that burials be done in a dignified and reverent way, and carrying out those burial rites so as to at least implicitly attest to belief in Catholic doctrine on “resurrection of the body.” Though some Catholics opt for east-facing burial to reflect tradition, others are unfamiliar with it or perceive facing East as a non-essential part of their faith. Containing its Tradition, A Few contemporary Catholic cemeteries restrict online use of hand publication shrines and rather concentrate on other elements of sacred burial land style.
Summary So, while burying Catholics with their burial objects facing east has wonderful history and symbolism associated with it, there is no requirement for the practice in contemporary Catholicism. Rooted in early Christian beliefs and practices, the tradition has shifted over time. Today, whether a Catholic is buried facing west or east depends on such factors as local custom and accessibility. Not changing in this respect, of course, is the Church’s constant reminder about decent burials as equal to respecting the sanctity of a departed person and an affirmation that he or she will rise again.