4 Unique Funeral And Burial Customs Around The World

Human beings have had special burial customs and rituals for their departed loved ones for centuries. From simple graves with crude jewelry to elaborate tombs like the pyramids, funeral, and burial customers across the world are fascinating to study. At Ocean County Cremation Service, we explore this topic often. Here’s a look at some of the most unique customers around the world:

1. Sky Burial

Sky Burial is common in Tibet and among the Buddhist community. They leave the bodies outside, typically in the mountains or at an elevated location. This helps the loved one’s soul ascend to heaven, leaving the mortal shell behind. The remains are left out in the open for the animals and elements to consume.

2. Water Burial

Water burials are a part of the Nordic culture. Even the ancient Vikings sometimes used to send a body adrift in the sea, letting the water consume the mortal remains. Water burial comes in different forms. Some send a boat containing the body into the sea while others place a casket by the sea or river.

3. Death Beads Made from Ashes

In South Korea, people turn the ashes of the deceased into shiny beads. These beads are placed inside urns and but in a columbarium or displayed at home. They’re visually-pleasing and come in a wide range of colors.

4. Turning of Bones

Famadihana is a strange and unique burial custom popular in Madagascar. The Malagasy families reopen the deceased's tomb every few years and wrap the body in fresh clothes. They then dance near the tomb to music playing in the background. The purpose of this process is to speed up decomposition and ensure the spirit leaves the earthly plane quickly.

If you want to know more or want to arrange for a service, contact us at Ocean County Cremation Service today. We'll be happy to help.