What are the different funeral rituals in the world?

Our perception of death is largely influenced by our surroundings, both in terms of culture and environment. It is therefore not surprising that funeral ceremonies are composed of different rituals around the world.

Beyond religious beliefs, funeral ceremonies serve to commemorate the life of the deceased while offering comfort to the bereaved. Rituals vary from region to region and reflect different cultures.

Discover 3 funeral traditions that are very different from those of Quebecers!

3 funeral traditions practiced abroad that will surprise you

In Western countries, funerals are traditionally serene and very serious events. Guests dress in black and mourn the loss of a loved one. The funeral rituals we are used to are far from being festive.

However, this is not the case in many cultures around the world. In Mexico, for example, an entire day is dedicated to the Day of the Dead. The souls of the deceased are honored in a festive atmosphere with feasts, parades, and songs.

Here are 3 funeral traditions practiced abroad that will surprise you!

Ghana: Funeral Dancing

In 2015, a lady shared a video of her mother-in-law's funeral on social media. The choreography of the dancing pallbearers quickly went viral. For a Western audience, this show is quite surprising. Some more conservative minds might feel uneasy or even shocked by these images.

Yet in Ghana, the watchwords when attending a funeral ceremony are joy, conviviality and festive atmosphere. The dance floor is often packed with people moving to the sounds of a DJ while cocktails and food abound. According to MapExpress, a typical Ghanaian funeral costs between $15,000 and $20,000.

The remains of the deceased are displayed in a personalized coffin to honor the life of the deceased. The loved one is sent off to his or her new life - Ghanaians believe in life after death - with farewell songs that serve to open contact with the other world and ease the grieving process.

The suspended cemetery of Sagada

An 8-hour drive from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a small municipality called Sagada. What is so special about this small community of about 12,000 inhabitants? A very unusual burial ritual: the coffins of the deceased of the Igorot tribe are hung from the cliffs in the area as well as in several of the caves in the valley.

In Sagada, each individual who is able to do so makes his or her own coffin while alive. After death, the body is embalmed and displayed in a sitting position on a chair. The visitation period lasts a few days. The body is then placed in the coffin in the fetal position, which would facilitate the passage to life after death. Placing the coffin in an elevated position would have brought the souls of the deceased closer to heaven, in addition to allowing them to watch over their loved ones.

For logistical reasons, this 2000 year old rite is now disappearing. In fact, it seems that the last coffin was hung about 12 years ago.

Nowadays, the dead are buried in a cemetery. Instead of lighting candles, small fires are lit. Every November 1, during panag-apoy, the cemetery is lit with hundreds of fires while an Anglican priest blesses the graves.

The dance of the dead in Madagascar

In Madagascar, funerals take place in two stages: a first ceremony takes place at the time of burial and allows the spirit of the deceased to pass into the world of the dead. The second stage takes place several years later.

The famadihana, or "turning of the body", takes place every 5 to 7 years. The remains of the Malagasy deceased are exhumed and the bones wrapped in a silk cloth bearing the family colors. The bearers then place the wrapped remains on their shoulders and, surrounded by members of the deceased's family, make them dance to the rhythm of joyful songs.

After this moment of communion, the body is reburied upside down. This is followed by a big party where food and alcoholic drinks are shared. The ceremony may take place more than once if, in later years, a relative dreams that the deceased is asking for another famadihana.

This tradition stems from the belief that the soul of a deceased person can only reach the afterlife when his or her bones are completely decomposed. The souls of the deceased who have not been exhumed would remain in a suspended state, unable to reach the next world.

Funeral Rituals in Quebec: A Wind of Change?

Recently, funeral traditions in Quebec have been gradually shifting away from the austere ceremonies of the past. Celebrations of life are becoming increasingly popular among people who wish to commemorate the passing of a loved one in a different way.

The important thing to remember is that the goal is to honour the wishes of the deceased and to bring comfort to the bereaved, no matter how it is done.

Whether it's the day of the funeral or just when you feel the need, perhaps you'll be inspired by the traditions of the world to say goodbye to a loved one?