Every culture has its own way of dealing with death and how to honor the dead. While being cremated and buried are fairly common practices, there are numerous cultures that have a different, even unusual funeral practice. Read on to find out more:
South Korea’s burial beads
In South Korea, a common practice allows you to wear your dead relatives as jewelry. Yes, after cremation, many opt to transform the ashes into beads of various colors like pink, blue-green and black instead of burying them.
Sweden’s late burial
In Sweden there are still some unique funeral rituals which have survived through the ages. One such ritual involves burying or cremating the body only about one to three weeks after death. During these weeks the body is rested in a “special” place.
South Africa’s ash-smeared windows
In South Africa, death and funeral practices are important parts of their culture, and their deceased ancestors are viewed with respect and fear. When someone dies, ash is smeared on the windows of the house where they died, and all the beds are taken out from the room to make space for the mourners. Animal scarification (tattooing) may also occur. And after the funeral, before entering the house again, everyone needs to wash off any dirt they may have gotten from the graveyard. They believe this removes bad luck.
Ghana’s unique coffins
A common funeral practice in Ghana is being buried in unique coffins. They want to be buried in a coffin that represents who they are and what their life was like. So, for instance, if a pilot dies, then his coffin may take the shape of a plane. The whole idea is to customize the coffin, so it speaks about the person's life in the best way possible.
Interesting, right?
Thanks for reading,
Karen
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