The traditions from all around the world may seem strange, but they all have a meaning and are done in order to honor the dead or bring good luck to those still living. It is interesting to see how different cultures pay respect to the deceased in such unique ways.
1. Famadihana
Famadihana, also known as the “turning of the bones”, is a traditional Malagasy ritual from Madagascar. It is an ancient custom in which deceased family members are dug out of their graves, rewrapped in fresh cloth, and paraded around with music and dancing.
This is done in order to honor the dead and to ensure that the ancestor’s spirit is at peace. The ritual is done every few years. It is believed that participating in the ritual will bring good luck and protection to the whole family.
2. Ubhavam
In India, a baby is thrown from a rooftop of a temple as a form of good luck. This practice, known as “Ubhavam”, is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and long life to the baby. The baby is held by its father and is then thrown from the roof of the temple. The baby is caught by a group of men who are waiting below with a cloth or a pillow.
3. Muharram
Muharram is a period of mourning for the martyrs of Karbala in the Islamic tradition. It is a tradition of a ten-day period of fasting and mourning, during which Shia Muslims around the world gather and beat their chests in grief to commemorate the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Also read: https://www.stackumbrella.com/check-more-weird-new-year-traditions-here/
4. Libatio Mortuorum
In Rome, it is a tradition to feed the dead with wine. This ritual is called “Libatio Mortuorum” and is done to ensure that the dead person is able to pass into the afterlife with ease. The wine is poured over the tombstone as a way to honor the dead.
5. Autofagia
In some traditions in Venezuela and Brazil, it is believed that eating the ashes of the dead will result in the deceased person’s spirit being brought back to life. This tradition is known as “Autofagia” and is done in order to reconnect with the deceased and bring them back to life.
6. Cut off fingers
In Indonesia, it is a tradition to cut off one of the fingers of a deceased person in order to honor them. This is done as a way to show respect for the dead and to ensure that the spirit is able to pass into the afterlife peacefully.
Also read: https://www.agnitotoday.com/eid-ul-fitr-2021-unique-eid-traditions-around-the-globe
7. Groom carries pregnant wife over burning coal
In China, there is a tradition in which the groom must carry his pregnant wife over burning coal. This is done as a way to ensure that the baby is born healthy and strong. The groom must carry his wife over the burning coals three times before the baby is born.
8. Eating the baby’s placenta
Finally, in some traditions, it is believed that eating the baby’s placenta will bring good luck and health to the baby. This tradition is done in order to ensure that the baby is healthy and strong. The placenta is cooked and then eaten by family members.
Also read: https://www.stackumbrella.com/list-of-indian-festivals-in-2022/