(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.

Is the body in front or behind the headstone?

Traditionally in the USA, when a body is buried in a cemetery, a headstone is placed at the head of the grave to identify the person who is buried there. The headstone usually states a person's name, their date of birth and death; occasionally some personal information, a prayer or a photograph.

What direction are headstones supposed to face?

Tombstones in traditional Western cemeteries usually face east. According to Northumberland County Council, the tradition began when Pagans buried the dead so they would face the rising sun. The tradition continued in Judeo-Christian societies.