Why are people buried facing east?

Under Christian traditions, people are buried with their feet pointed eastwards to follow the belief that the Second Coming of Jesus would occur from the east. This belief originates from a statement in the book of Matthew where the return of Jesus would originate from the East.

The burial orientation of placing the head facing the west and feet facing the east is also followed by the layout of Christian churches. In certain Christian denominations, members of the clergy are buried with the opposite orientation. At the General Resurrection, it is then believed that the clergy will rise facing the also-resurrected faithful and will be able to minister to them.