Tag Archives: Funeral Traditions

Fearing the Return of the Dead in Romani Burial Traditions

Romani funeral traditions are heavily influenced by beliefs in the supernatural

Romani funeral traditions are characterized by abundance. Enormous, full of relatives, public mourning and solemn ritual, their burial rites amount to a massive procession taken very seriously by everyone involved. Their zeal may arise from a widespread belief in the … Continue reading

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New Zealand: Death Tattoos & the Maori

New Zealand's "ta moko" tattoos are traced back to Maori death and memorial rituals

Traditional New Zealand death rituals use expression and creativity as a cathartic means to get through the grieving process while memorializing a loved one. It’s a philosophy that is perhaps best represented in the Maori tradition of tattooing, known as … Continue reading

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Why Do We Wear Black Funeral Attire Versus White?

A look at the religious and cultural meanings behind the colors of funeral attire

For many Americans, black seems to be the most common color to wear as funeral attire. Why is that? And why do some religious and cultural groups tend to wear white to funerals? Much of the color choice within religious … Continue reading

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Italian Funeral Traditions

A look into Italian cultural beliefs about death and funeral traditions

As a culture, Italians are often inclined towards heavily theatrical rituals when it comes to major life events. Death and funerals, however, are exceptions: these focus more on the seriousness and the finality of death. Informed by the teachings of Catholicism, the … Continue reading

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Estonia: Where Family and Folklore Thrive in Funeral Plans

In Eastern Europe, one country shows its commitment to traditional funeral garb

The Northern European country of Estonia has a very intricate tradition of dressing the departed in specific funeral garb to prepare them for the next life. As a cultural event, a traditional Estonian burial upholds the importance of family and … Continue reading

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Tana Toraja, Indonesia: Where Death is Never a Severe Goodbye

In this Indonesian province, family members continue to live, quite literally, with their recently passed loved ones

In the South Sulawasi province of Tana Toraja, Indonesia, lives a culture where death doesn’t automatically mean saying a clear-cut goodbye to our loved ones. Close to half a million Indonesians live in the region, which has held fast to … Continue reading

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