Why Do Graves and Headstones Face East?

Walk through an old churchyard and you may notice the graves all line up east–west. There is a long tradition behind it.

The Christian tradition

In many Christian traditions the body is laid with the feet to the east, so the person would face east — toward the rising sun, associated with the resurrection and the Second Coming. The headstone therefore stands at the west end of the grave.

Clergy

In some traditions, clergy were buried the opposite way, facing their congregation.

Other traditions

Modern cemeteries

Many modern cemeteries lay out rows to make the best use of the land, so graves may run in any direction. Faith sections sometimes keep a traditional orientation.

Does it matter for the headstone?

Only in that the installer follows the section layout. See which end of the grave the headstone goes.

When the stone faces the path

In many modern cemeteries, stones face the path or road so visitors can read them, regardless of compass direction. Inscriptions on the back face the next row.

If orientation matters to your faith, ask the cemetery which sections follow it. See which end of the grave the headstone goes.

Direction in modern cemeteries

Many newer cemeteries ignore compass direction altogether. Graves are laid out to fit roads, paths and the shape of the land, so stones face whichever way makes the section tidy and easy to mow. If facing east matters to your family's faith, ask before buying a plot:

• Is there a section where graves run east–west?
• Can the stone face east even if the row runs differently?
• Do faith sections — Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim — follow their own orientation?

Muslim sections, for example, are usually laid out so the body faces Mecca rather than east.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional Christian graves face east, toward the rising sun.
• Muslim graves face the Qibla.
• Many modern cemeteries simply follow the land layout.

Next Step

Explore faith symbols in our headstone symbols guide.