General Chat

And it is too much like hard work to rearrange the bedroom. Perhaps I will go and sleep in the spare room.
Huia.

To elaborate further on my explanation:

I retired at 60 and after a year was bored stiff. I decided to fulfil my dream and go to University. I wanted to read History and although I have no particular faith I knew that it is impossible to separate that subject from religion. Up to the First World War the church was influentual in all things nationally and locally. I therefore took History with Religion as my degree subject.

Many pagan traditions were absorbed into Christianity. Not only were churches built on the old pagan worshipping sites with the altar at the east, but many of the plants such as ivy, mistletoe and holly, revered by pagans, were also retained in churchyards and entered the folklore of Christmas.

In early times the most favoured burial part of the chuchyard was the east, followed by the south, then west. The north was not used until churchyards became full as the population expanded. In recent years most ecclesiastical and civil authorities have systematically vandalised our burial grounds, removing stones and using them as paving slabs or placing them around the perimeter of the graveyard. If you are lucky enough to find a churchyard with graves dating back to the 17th century which has escaped the "improvements" of these authorities, you usually find that the oldest graves are in the east and southern parts. In those burial grounds where professions are shown on the headstone you will often find that the local landowners, surgeons, lawyers and others with money and influence, are buried in the eastern part.

A fascinating subject, I could go on forever but I won't bore you,
................................happy new year everyone.

I never thought when I asked this question that it would turn out to be so interesting - least I find it so!

Hi Chris

I find it very interesting too and at the moment am reading 'The English Way of Death, The Common Funeral Since 1450'. It is fascinating reading. As i go through the book i will be interested to see if there is any reference made to your question.
Cathy

So now I know why we don't win anything..feet hanging out of the door lol.. trying to arrange bedroom better.....

The wicker was lovely covered in heather.. as name of house is Heather combe...

Don't mean to sound horrid but that coffin was easier to look at, wooden ones just make you want to burst straight away.

Pat

That is what frightened my mother Liz.

When she would not let me place my baby feet to the door.

As a matter of fact.... our bed faces the wall beside the door!
Do you think I'm okay?? ;-0)

Deanna X

I found this thread really interesting too..........thanks Chris :))

xx