I had been opportune to attend burials especially in nkanu areas of Enugu state. when putting the corpse in the grave, they always position the casket in one direction or the other depending if the dead is a male or female. please Nairlanders, what is take on that

What do u mean by position?

mkpakanaodogwu:
What do u mean by position?

I mean during burial when people argue or say the head/ legs should face this way or that way

In the Aniocha/Oshimili areas of Delta state, Nigeria particularly and probably other areas of the state and other igbo cultures, it is a common practice to find their dead buried with their heads inwards and their legs to the door or outwards.

It is generally believed that that burial pattern ensures the spirit of the dead stays out and not roam about in the house or within the household.

I cannot support this line of belief with any emperical proof but this has been the practice in these areas for as long as I know.

I have particularly noticed this pattern in all the burials I have withnessed in these areas and have cause to believe there must be good reasons for that.