In the U.S., most people are familiar with cremation and the traditional burial of a coffin, but other cultures use different funeral arrangements to honor their lost loved ones. Here, the trusted team at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home in Harpers Ferry, WV, offers a quick background on these various burial traditions.

To gain a broader perspective, study the ways these four cultures commemorate the lives of their late friends and family members:

• Air Sacrifice in Mongolia: As Mongolians believe in the return of the soul—a concept inspired by the Buddhist faith—they don’t feel the need to show respect for the body of the deceased. Once a loved one has passed, Mongolians have been known to leave the body outside, free to naturally disintegrate in the presence of wildlife and weather.
• Cremation in Cambodia: Much like the Mongolians, Cambodian Buddhists also believe in the reincarnation of the deceased. While their practice of cremation may seem common enough, the ashes aren’t often kept and memorialized by the family. Instead, they are given to the nearest temple to help the deceased’s soul on its journey of reincarnation.
• Burial in Iran: While you may think a burial is far from unfamiliar, Iranians complete this funeral arrangement a bit differently. First, the deceased’s body is washed nine times and wrapped in white. Then, the body is laid to rest in a grave facing Mecca. The entire process must be completed no longer than 24 hours after death.
• Ash-Covered Windows in South Africa: In South Africa, the traditional funeral ritual has more to do with the place of the death than the resulting body. In the dwelling where the death occurred, residents will smear the windows with ashes, turn pictures around, and cover all mirrors and reflective objects.

While the reverence of death is universal, the symbolic manifestations of grief and honor vary by culture. For more information regarding traditional funeral arrangements and burial traditions in West Virginia, contact the compassionate staff at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home. Call (304) 724-6500 or visit them online to learn more about their services.