There were almost 70 million deaths around the world in 2021.

Here, a look at just a few of funeral traditions that might strike someone outside a culture as odd.

Cultures around the world have a distinct set of beliefs that guide their funeral rituals.

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For example, between the death and the funeral, the toraja people on the island of sulawesi, indonesia, treat their relative as if they were ill rather than dead, by bringing them food and.

From decorated vases depicting bodies lying in state to architecture and funerary objects that have survived through the millennia, the evidence shows that death rituals were essential to the culture.

When sandra daugherty's father died unexpectedly at.

Most of these would have had some kind of funeral (depending on cultural norms) and a memorialisation of type.

But what happens to those whose identity is not known when they die?

These rituals are deeply embedded in the social fabric of communities, reflecting an array of beliefs,.

Death rituals around the world include tibet’s sky burials, the cremation tradition on the pyres of varanasi in india, and ghana’s fantasy coffins.

Mortician caitlin doughty has traveled around the world exploring the ways other cultures approach death.

On day of the dead, two scholars describe ancient mourning practices.

Let’s take a closer look at five unique traditions that celebrate and honor the departed.

These photos take you to death rituals around the world:

Throughout history, diverse cultures around the world have developed unique practices surrounding death and mourning.

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To haiti, where a dead priestess’.

To ghana, where a poultry farmer is buried in a casket that looks like a chicken;

Many in the western world lack the explicit mourning rituals that help people deal with loss.

Funeral practices are deeply ingrained in culture and around the globe hugely varied traditions reflect a wide spread of beliefs and values.