The tradition of burying a body six feet deep is more of a historical practice than a strict rule based on any scientific or medical necessity. The depth of graves can vary depending on cultural, religious, and regional customs. However, the "six feet deep" burial tradition has been prevalent in Western cultures for several reasons:
Historical context: During the time of the Black Death in Europe (14th century), it was believed that digging graves at least six feet deep would help prevent the spread of the disease and protect the living from potential contagion. While the bubonic plague is spread primarily through fleas on rats, the idea of deeper graves persisted.
Practicality: A depth of six feet was considered sufficient to prevent animals from disturbing the burial site and reaching the remains.
Decomposition: At this depth, the decomposition process is generally slower due to the lower oxygen levels and more stable temperature, which helps to preserve the remains better over time.
Multiple burials: In some cases, graves may be reused for multiple burials. By digging deeper, there is more space available to accommodate additional interments.
It's important to note that burial practices have evolved over time, and in modern times, laws and regulations regarding burial depth can vary from country to country or even within different jurisdictions. Some places may require shallower graves, while others may still adhere to the traditional six feet depth. Additionally, the rise of cremation and other burial alternatives has also impacted burial practices in recent years.