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Funeral homes in Providence, UT, are commonly used in western culture after an individual passes away. However, in other parts of the world, other methods help individuals lay loved ones to rest and process the grief, so we have created this list of five fascinating funeral rights from around the world.
The Malagasy believe that the spirit does not depart the world until the body has fully rejoined with the earth, so every few years, the people of Madagascar will conduct a ritual called Famadihana. This tradition is considered a sacred ritual and involves exhuming loved ones' graves, washing and redressing the deceased, and throwing a party in honor of the individual. It is believed that their loved ones need to be cared for even after they pass away, and it is considered a joyous experience with music and dancing to give thanks.
In aboriginal culture, mourning and funerals are communal activities. Members of the community and friends, as well as families, will gather together and support each other when an individual passes away, and the ceremonies can last for days and weeks at a time. Some do not speak the deceased's name because they believe it will disturb the individual's spirit, and depictions or photographs of the individual may also be seen as a disturbance to the dead.
In Ghana, it's not uncommon for coffins to be made into works of art, from animals to objects, including cars or shoes. Most commonly, the bereaved will pick the design from different shapes for the loved one's vessel and will often reflect the deceased's hobby or profession.
In the mountains of South Sulawesi, death and life are considered inseparable. Torajan has funerals that are elaborate and can last for weeks. They will typically slaughter a pig or water Buffalo, and the bereaved display the animal's horns outside their home. Their tombs are communal and built into the caves and cliffs, and a wooden effigy is created that represents the loved one and is placed on a balcony to stand watch over the communal tomb.
Ngaben has joyous, noisy, and colorful processions, and the expense and extravagance are thought to help guide the spirit to the next life and are seen as a celebration. They use a ceremonial tower made from multiple leaves of paper, wood, and bamboo. The coffin is often shaped like an ox or other animal and carried by the mourners as part of the procession. Once this is completed, it will be burned, and the ashes will be scattered at sea.
Every region has a set of rituals they follow to help the bereaved move through the grief process. Having a way of letting go after loss is critical, and if you need support planning thoughtful services, we are here to help. We are one of the top-rated funeral homes in Providence, UT, and we work hard to provide affordable and expert services for our clients, So contact us today for more information.