Unique Memorials from Around the World

There are many reasons why knowing about different memorials from around the world may resonate with you. You may be searching for inspiration to apply to a loved one’s funeral or simply may be interested in learning about different cultural ways to lay a loved one to rest and say goodbye.

Each culture has a traditional way of paying their respects to a loved one who has died based on the premise of cultural beliefs, values, and practices. Let’s look at a few different memorial services among our big world.

Ireland

In Ireland, a family member or close friend is chosen to spend time with the deceased from the time of the death all the way up until the burial. During this time of waiting for the burial, family and friends come to say their goodbyes and pay their respects. When the burial takes place there is a ceremony that is focused more so on the celebration of the deceased’s life rather than mourning. In fact, Ireland is famous for their big memorial services that incorporate many laughs, good stories, and some healthy cries.

Tibet

Tibetan Buddhists believe that there are many steps the living must take to guide the deceased from this world into the other. The deceased is unaware they are dead and there is a four-day waiting period for the living to perform traditional ceremonial duties while the deceased is transferring over to the otherworld. If the family of the deceased has the means to do so, there are 100 lights which surround the body that is wrapped in white, while a lama chants over them. After the four days have passed and they have assumed the transfer has been made the burial takes place and family and friends mourn for 4 days doing absolutely nothing besides focusing on the deceased and the life they lived. After a year has passed family and friends celebrate the life of their loved one.

India

In the ancient city of Varanasi, lives the famous Ganges River where there are cremation Ghats open to the people 24 hours a day. This is an important ritual to the Indian people to bring their loved one who has passed to the Ghats where they will be cremated and their ashes put into the river. It is believed that by doing this ritual the deceased will reach heaven through a safe passage.