We recently excavated and relocated a mid-1800s Catholic cemetery (ca. 20 
burials) in Middle TN.  Most burials in the cemetery were oriented 
lengthwise from west to east in the traditional Judeo-Christian burial 
pattern with the exception of two burials which were oriented north to 
south.  One was a child, the other adult.  The explanation given by modern 
priests was that unbaptized and suicides were often buried in opposing 
patterns to the faithful or on the "fringes," the outer edges of a 
consecrated cemetery. We found nothing unusual included in the graves as 
opposed to the others.

dan allen
cumberland research group, inc.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron May" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 5:20 PM
Subject: Re: history of attitude to burial of suicides


> It is my understanding that Catholic priests would not allow suicides to 
> be
> buried in sanctified cemeteries. In San Diego, there is a Protestant 
> cemetery
> about four miles south that probably served for suicides.
>
> Ron May
> Legacy 106, Inc.