When you see a funeral on television or in a movie, you’re likely watching the traditional Western Christian funeral. However, there are so many funeral and death rituals from all over the world that do not really resemble what we know to be common here in the Western world.
As monument makers in Walterboro, SC, we are exposed to a wide range of memorial customs that uniquely express the beliefs and traditions of different cultures. Here are some examples of some of the most interesting funeral traditions from around the world.
Mongolia
Mongolian death rituals are quite complex, as they take into account both Buddhist thinking and their modern ways of life. Mongols and Tibetans both make use of “sky burial,” in which the body of the deceased lies on a high, unprotected place, where it is exposed to the natural elements and devoured by wildlife. This derives from a Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy about how unnecessary the protection of the body is after death.
Of course, this process is not used by everyone. There are also ground burials, with caskets frequently covered in red and black, the Mongolian colors of mourning. The grave is then surrounded with items such as sand, rice and milk.
In addition, as a Mongolian person lies on their deathbed, any valuables that might convince them to cling to their life will be removed or given away, allowing them to prepare uninhibited for a rebirth.
Cambodia
Many Cambodians are also Buddhists, so their funerals are also very influenced by Buddhism and its philosophies. To Buddhists, death is simply part of a cycle of reincarnation, so mourning in the traditional sense is not a primary part of the funeral process. Close relatives and family members will wear white, which is the color of mourning in Cambodia, and even possibly shave their heads for a funeral. Buddhist monks must be present to guide the soul from the body and prepare it for incarnation.
Sweden
Sweden is one of the most secular nations in the world, but still has some funeral rituals that are spiritual in a sense, primarily influenced by its history of Lutheranism. The burial takes place anywhere from one to three weeks after death, with the body being relocated to a “special” area before that happens. The funerals tend to only be for extremely close family members.
South Africa
South Africa, like many other African nations, treats funerals as a way of demonstrating respect to dead loved ones and ancestors. Modern aspects of mourning have combined with the traditional fear and veneration of the dead.
Today, windows of a house in which a person died might be smeared with ash, and all beds are removed from the dead person’s room to allow mourners to enter. There are still some ritual animal sacrifices performed, but not as frequently as in prior generations.
The “after tears” party is a relatively new ritual, resembling an Irish wake with lots of drinking, joking and shared stories.
For more information about funeral traditions from around the world, contact Steedley Monument Works to speak with one of our expert monument makers in Walterboro, SC.