(See example in accompanying illustration.) But in most cemeteries, headstones face east, which puts husbands to the left of their wives. "To make matters even more confusing," Delp adds, "many cemeteries have stones facing both ways.

Why are graves always facing east in cemeteries?

Some of the ancient religions (based on the sun) would bury the dead facing east so that they could face the "new day" and the "rising sun." Once again, Christ is considered to be the "Light of the World," which explains the eastward facing burials. ... It makes perfect sense that the Son of Man would arrive from the east.

Are headstones placed at the head or feet?

Strictly speaking, a headstone is a marker at the head of a grave, and a footstone is a marker at the foot of a grave.