From extravagant and elaborate rites to simple and solemn ceremonies, the ways the world marks the passing of their loved ones are truly fascinating and diverse. Let's delve into some of the most unusual funeral and death traditions across the globe.
It will help you understand how their culture, history, beliefs, and great respect for their dearly departed shaped these customs. So, get ready for a journey around the globe to see the unique ways that each nation honors the lives and memories of its departed loved ones.
1. Day of the Dead - Mexico
Perhaps the most colorful remembrance of the departed is practiced in Mexico. Known as "Dia de los Muertos" or Day of the Dead, Mexicans hold colorful parades in the streets, while in every home there are altars with offerings or "ofrenda".
Each ofrenda must contain 4 elements - water, air, earth, and fire. A jug or glass of water represents the element of water, the traditional paper banners or "Papel Picado" represent air, food is the symbol of the earth, and the candle represents fire. And don’t forget, a photograph of their departed loved ones must be put also on the altar.
This practice became more popular thanks to the 2017 Disney Pixar Animated Movie "Coco". The film tells the journey of the character Miguel to the Land of the Dead, and his reunion with his loved ones.
It is believed that if there is no picture of anyone who has passed away in the ofrenda and has not received an offering, they will not be able to return to the place of the living. Worse, if this practice of not putting the photograph continued, they will face the “Second death” or the moment that they will be completely forgotten on both lands of the living and the dead.
2. The Death Beads - South Korea
Cremation is a much more common thing in South Korea, due to a law enacted in 2000 that demands anyone who buries their dead after that date to be removed from the grave 60 years later. According to The Korean Herald, it is said that the law had a dramatic effect, the cremation rate was so high only 3 out of 10 were buried.
South Koreans turn their loved one's ashes into blue or greenish little beads in line with Buddhist beliefs and display those beads in their homes. This unusual method of honoring their dearly departed is commonly practiced in Incheon, a province found south of the capital Seoul.
3. Fantasy Coffins - Ghana, Africa
From giant birds to giant phones to giant boxes of cigarettes, you name it, Ghana surely has it. In Ghana, funerals are not a moment to mourn, but to celebrate. People of this country take this opportunity to meet as a large crowd to honor the life of their loved ones.
In Ghana, they usually spend more money on funerals than any other celebrations. This lavish celebration of the dead can be seen through “Abebu adekai”, or most commonly known as fantasy coffins. The designs are made based on the request of a person before he/she dies.
Fantasy coffins were first introduced in 1989 in a Paris Museum by Kane Kwei and his assistant Paa Joe, who is now one of Ghana's prominent fantasy coffin makers. It reflects the creativity of the people of Ghana, and their great respect for the dead.
4. The Turning of the Bones - Madagascar
How far can you show your love to someone who has passed away? In Madagascar, they dig up the bones of their loved ones again, dress them up, put their perfumes on them, and dance with them on top of their heads.
In this unusual practice called "Famadihana", the people of Madagascar celebrate the lives of their ancestors and deceased loved ones. Regardless of the potential health threats, it is said to be their way of catching up with their dead relatives, telling them stories, and asking for their blessings.
In Madagascar, this has become a tradition, usually once every five to seven years, and the practice draws together entire relatives in kinship celebrations.
5. The hanging coffins - Sagada, Philippines
Are you willing to go rock climbing? Well, the Philippines has its hanging coffins. Yes, the coffins are literally hung on mountain edges. The Igorot Tribe in the Northern Philippines has its own distinct heritage that spans back thousands of years. Coffins are mounted on platforms high up cliffs as a popular tourist attraction on the premise that the higher up the body is resting, the simpler their journey to heaven will be.
Death is Universal
It is undeniably amazing to think that every place in the world has its own way of honoring its dead. Those are just some of the countries that have unique and unique ways of commemorating the memory of their loved ones.
The world is still wide, and as wide as it is the respect that each one gives to those who have been at peace. As we explore these unique ways, we come to understand how each culture, and how the world mourns and how it celebrates life and memory despite its coping with the inevitability of death.
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