In the Tana Toraja region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, the Torajan ethnic group observes a unique and unusual tradition to honour their deceased loved ones. Unlike typical funeral customs, the Torajan people commemorate the dead in a way that has intrigued people from around the world. While many cultures have designated days to remember their ancestors, the Torajans go beyond worship, participating in an extraordinary ritual.
The Torajan tribe believes that both living and non-living beings, including humans and animals, possess souls and must be respected. To them, death is not viewed as a sudden event but rather a gradual transition into the afterlife. As a result, they do not immediately bury their loved ones. Instead, the body is carefully preserved in several layers of cloth and treated with formaldehyde and water to prevent decay. This preservation process can last for years.
According to the Torajan belief, a well-preserved body ensures good fortune for the family. Therefore, they go to great lengths to maintain the best possible condition for the deceased. The tradition includes bathing and washing the corpse, dressing it in new clothes, and even interacting with it as though it were still alive. Families talk to their deceased relatives, take photographs, and prepare food and drinks for them. In some cases, they even offer cigarettes to the body.
Once the rituals are complete, the family cleans the graves and reburies the deceased. This practice is repeated annually, accompanied by singing and dancing. In addition to these rituals, animals such as buffalo and pigs are sacrificed, with the wealthier members of the community offering up to 100 animals. The slaughtered animals' meat is then shared among those attending the gathering.