Death affects everyone, but people around the world say goodbye to their loved ones in many different ways. Some customs might surprise you, while others could touch your heart. We’re going to look at 12 special traditions that show how varied human beliefs are about life, death, and what happens afterward.
Sky Burial
Tibetan Buddhists practice a special funeral tradition called sky burial. According to The Living Urn, the deceased’s body is taken to a mountaintop and left exposed to the elements and scavenging birds. This ritual symbolizes life’s impermanence and the body’s return to nature.
Turning into Trees
A modern eco-friendly option in many countries involves turning your deceased relatives into trees. Special biodegradable urns contain a person’s ashes mixed with tree seeds; when planted, the ashes nourish the growing tree. The living memorial benefits the environment and offers families a lasting tribute to their loved ones.
Space Burials
Space burial offers a final frontier for those who dream of the stars. A small portion of the deceased’s ashes is launched into orbit, deep space, or even to the moon. This one-of-a-kind send-off allows your deceased family member to explore the cosmos for eternity, fulfilling lifelong dreams of space travel or simply providing a truly out-of-this-world resting place.
Famadihana
Incredibly, Madagascar’s Malagasy people follow a custom called Famadihana, or “turning of the bones.” Every few years, families exhume their ancestors’ remains, rewrap them in fresh cloth, and dance with their bodies. This custom strengthens family bonds and shows deep respect for the deceased, keeping their memory alive through physical interaction and celebration.
Hanging Coffins
In parts of China and the Philippines, you’ll discover coffins suspended on cliff faces or inside caves. Various ethnic groups practice this tradition to bring the deceased closer to heaven. The engineering feat required to place these coffins in such precarious positions is truly remarkable, showcasing the lengths people will go to honor their dead.
Jazz Funerals
New Orleans is famous for its jazz funerals, where mourning transforms into celebration. A brass band leads a procession playing somber dirges that transition to upbeat jazz tunes. This blend of sorrow and joy brings the community together to honor the departed and celebrate their lives, turning grief into a musical tribute.
Filipino Death Traditions
The truth is that the Philippines is home to a variety of unique funeral customs. Some communities keep their deceased relatives in the home for weeks or even years before burial. In certain areas, people hang coffins from cliffs or cave walls, believing this brings the dead closer to heaven and protects their souls from earthly forces.
Viking Funerals
In ancient Viking times, the dead were sent off spectacularly. The deceased would be placed in a ship along with their possessions, set aflame, and pushed out to sea. This awe-inspiring sight of a burning ship sailing into the sunset was believed to carry the departed to Valhalla, the great hall of the afterlife.
Skull Decorating
Bolivia’s Festival of Ñatitas is really fascinating, and it involves decorating and celebrating human skulls. These skulls, believed to possess protective powers, are adorned with flowers and sunglasses. For many Bolivians, it’s a way to honor the dead and seek their blessings, transforming what might seem macabre into a colorful and meaningful tradition.
Totem Poles
Among some Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest, elaborately carved totem poles serve as memorials. These towering structures tell the story of the deceased’s life and lineage. The intricate designs and rich symbolism woven into each pole create a lasting monument that preserves family histories and tribal legends for generations.
Antyesti
Hindu funeral rites, known as Antyesti, involve cremation and the scattering of ashes in sacred rivers. Elaborate rituals can last for days, including the lighting of the funeral pyre by the deceased’s eldest son. This tradition emphasizes the soul’s journey and reincarnation, viewing death as a transition rather than an ending.
Tana Toraja Death Rituals
Interestingly enough, in Indonesia’s Tana Toraja region, funerals are grand affairs that can last for days or even weeks. Families save for years to host elaborate ceremonies, including animal sacrifices and feasts. The deceased are treated as sick rather than dead until the funeral, reflecting a unique perspective on the transition between life and death.
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