'Dead People In This Village Eat, Smoke'- Know All About This Unique But Shocking Tradition

In the highlands of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, the Toraja people observe an ancient funeral practice called Ma’nene, or "The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses." This ritual involves exhuming deceased relatives from their graves, even years after burial, to honour and care for them as though they are still part of the living world.

 

After a person passes away, it can sometimes take months, or even years, before a funeral is held. During this period, families keep the deceased in their home, treating them as though they were still ill. Twice a day, the body is offered food, drink, and cigarettes. 

 

The deceased are regularly washed and dressed in fresh clothing, and a bowl is kept in the corner of the room to serve as a symbolic "toilet." The dead are never left alone, and when night falls, the lights are always left on for them. Families believe that if they don't care for the bodies properly, the spirits of their loved ones might cause trouble.

In the past, special leaves and herbs were used to preserve the body, but nowadays, formalin is injected to slow down decomposition. This method leaves a strong chemical odor lingering in the room.

 

The Toraja's animistic belief system, which attributes a soul to all things in nature, views death as a prolonged journey rather than a final departure. The dead, referred to as “to makula’,” are treated with the same respect and care as the living, reflecting the community's belief in the interconnectedness of life and death.

While outsiders may view the ritual as unusual, for the Toraja people, it is a deeply meaningful celebration of the connection between life and death.