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Gravedigging 101

burialsandbeyond.com

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Re: Gravedigging 101

#31

Post by gadders »

blowski wrote: post #23
KineticLensman wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

(going down a rabbit hole now. I think that's the right phrase) There are loads of sites that offer grave digging services or equipment (e.g. [0]) although none mention hoes that I can see. However, I did find more about the use of hoes to actually dig holes (coming back to the original subject): [1]. How could I have forgotten about 'mattocks'. [0] https://www.equipter.com/equipter-articles/grave-digging-too... [1]…

I have a mattock for breaking up the clods on my allotment.

Mattocks are amazing. I've used them for taking up small stumps from shrubs as well.

Re: Gravedigging 101

#32

Post by willyt »

culturestate wrote: post #27
tengwar2 wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As a Brit, I would say the same. However it may be some specialised terminology - for instance the wooden beams that support the coffin over the grave before it is lowered are "putlocks", a word I had not come across before. So it would not surprise me if a sexton referred to a spade as a hoe.

A backhoe[1] is not a hoe in the gardening sense, but the colloquial American term for an excavator. You might call it a JCB. 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhoe

In Britain we just call them 'diggers'. JCB is a very common British digger brand though so they do get called that as well. We do have backhoe loaders they are machines with a wide flat shovel for scooping material up and moving it around or loading it into a dumper truck. You wouldn't dig a hole with one but most people would look at it and call it a digger.

Re: Gravedigging 101

#33

Post by treesknees »

nemo1618 wrote: post #15

I recently learned that home burials are legal in most U.S. states. Gravedigging is hard work, but I think burying a loved one on their own property (with the help of some friends/family) is a nice alternative to a cemetery/graveyard. Also, here's a free pet peeve: it's only a graveyard if it's next to a church. You're welcome!

Depending on how much spare land there is, and who will inherit that property. I couldn't imagine sticking grandma in a grave on the corner of a subdivision, or having any serious offers come in once potential buyers see a headstone in the back yard.

Re: Gravedigging 101

#34

Post by kornhole »

I have never understood why people make so much work and waste around dead carcasses. When it is time for me to die and I am able, I want to get myself onto one of the hills around here. I want the condors, coyotes, and other creatures to have a good meal. Threatened animals are fed and my family has zero bills to pay. I know it is illegal, but go ahead and arrest my dead body.

Re: Gravedigging 101

#35

Post by ciupicri »

kornhole wrote: post #34

I have never understood why people make so much work and waste around dead carcasses. When it is time for me to die and I am able, I want to get myself onto one of the hills around here. I want the condors, coyotes, and other creatures to have a good meal. Threatened animals are fed and my family has zero bills to pay. I know it is illegal, but go ahead and arrest my dead body.

What about dental or breast implants? Or pacemakers?

Re: Gravedigging 101

#36

Post by kornhole »

ciupicri wrote: post #35
kornhole wrote: post #34

I have never understood why people make so much work and waste around dead carcasses. When it is time for me to die and I am able, I want to get myself onto one of the hills around here. I want the condors, coyotes, and other creatures to have a good meal. Threatened animals are fed and my family has zero bills to pay. I know it is illegal, but go ahead and arrest my dead body.

What about dental or breast implants? Or pacemakers?

Some lucky person will get my gold fillings. Those are my only implants.

Re: Gravedigging 101

#37

Post by shagmin »

kornhole wrote: post #34

I have never understood why people make so much work and waste around dead carcasses. When it is time for me to die and I am able, I want to get myself onto one of the hills around here. I want the condors, coyotes, and other creatures to have a good meal. Threatened animals are fed and my family has zero bills to pay. I know it is illegal, but go ahead and arrest my dead body.

Also known as a sky burial in parts of central Asia.

Re: Gravedigging 101

#39

Post by mellavora »

irrational wrote: post #29
yetanotherloser wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you're correct, but if you need to dig a big hole I strongly recommend a mattock. (Source: too much archaeology)

Huh, TIL that what I always called a pickaxe is actually called a mattock.

you obviously need to play more nethack

Re: Gravedigging 101

#40

Post by mellavora »

nemo1618 wrote: post #15

I recently learned that home burials are legal in most U.S. states. Gravedigging is hard work, but I think burying a loved one on their own property (with the help of some friends/family) is a nice alternative to a cemetery/graveyard. Also, here's a free pet peeve: it's only a graveyard if it's next to a church. You're welcome!

wonder what the homeowner association would have to say about that?
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