In the old days when someone died, they left their body wrapped in clothing on a scaffold. Over time the elements would reclaim the remains. Sometimes the possessions of the dead were burned; sometimes they were left on the ground near the scaffold. If a person died on the barrenlands then the body would be left on the ground. The elements reclaimed the bodies quickly, and people would stay away from these areas for a while. It was only after the Roman Catholic priests arrived that people started digging graves. It’s a lot of work digging graves, especially in winter when the ground is frozen solid, but since the 1850s that’s how it’s been done. People would put a fence around the grave to make it look nice and so you’d be able to see it from a distance. Some people say the fence keeps the spirit from travelling. Whenever you pass a grave, take the time to stop and fix it up. Clean out the weeds, leave a small gift for the dead, say a prayer, and then continue on your way. This is the way to be respectful.