Tag Archives: Burial Practices

“The Merry Burial Compendium” by Glenn Allen Cheney

A short book of facts and (maybe) a little fiction about death through the ages

Last year, SevenPonds posted an article written by Glenn Alan Cheney, a Trustee of the Connecticut Green Burial Grounds in Hamden, Connecticut. Mr. Cheney is the author of the Merry Burial Blog and a number of books on a fascinating … Continue reading

Posted in Lending Insight | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Zoroastrian Towers of Silence

The Zoroastrian exposure burial that predates the Tibetan sky burial

The tradition of sky burials, in which a human corpse is brought to a mountaintop to decompose by exposure to the elements and carrion birds, is practiced in Mongolia, Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Bhutan and parts of India. The Tibetan sky burial … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Funeral and Burial Practices in Liberia

Even during the Ebola outbreak, Liberians insisted on proper burials for their loved ones

Honoring loved ones who have died is very important for the Liberian people. Though there are many regions in Liberia that have differing customs, there are certain beliefs and practices that are employed by many Liberians across the West African … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cremation Rates Exploding In The United States

More Americans are choosing cremation over burial for its environmental and economic benefits

In 1960, about 3.6 percent of the population opted for cremation. However, that number has risen steadily ever since. The Cremation Association of North America reports that in 2014, the national cremation rate reached 46.7 percent. That’s an astounding 1211.80 percent … Continue reading

Posted in Something Special | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Ancient Practice of Sky Burial

How the nomads of Mongolia return their loved ones to the universe

For thousands of years, the nomads of Mongolia have roamed the steppes of Central Asia, carrying their belongings and setting up their tents, called “gers,” on the harsh, inhospitable land. One of the last remaining nomadic cultures on Earth, these … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Suspended Burials in China

A fascinating and beautiful tradition that left coffins suspended on cliff sides

There are countless unique and fascinating burial and death traditions across the world. But one that is especially intriguing — and quite beautiful — is the practice of suspended burials. This form of “burial” was practiced by the Bo people of … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment