When someone you love passes away, they may have a plan in place or have made their intentions clear about their funeral and burial. In America, most opt for the traditional grave plot and memorial, but what do people around the world do to remember loved ones? Whether you’re curious or looking for a different way to approach your passing, consider these three funeral traditions from across the globe.

How Different Cultures Handle Funerals

1. Funerals in South Korea

When it comes to tradition, South Korea has made a number of changes to burials; some are even written into law. In 2000, the government made a ruling that requires a person burying a loved one to have the body removed from the grave after 60 years. Due to dwindling space for graves and this law, more South Koreans are opting to be cremated. To keep loved ones close to them, family members can have the loved one’s ashes placed in glass beads and then displayed in the home.

2. Glowing Memorial in Japan

With one of the highest cremation rates across the globe, most families in Japan skip the traditional funeral. Once cremated, the deceased person’s ashes are stored within a Buddha that appears on a memorial wall. When people go to visit the departed, they type a name into the system and the Buddha statues along the wall will light up blue — with their particular loved one’s statue shining clear. This allows them to not only remember their special person but also respect others in the memorial.

3. Turning Bones in Madagascar

People in Madagascar practice a ritual every five to seven years known as ‘famadihana,’ which means “the turning of the bones.” This ceremony involves family members visiting the crypts of deceased loved ones and exhuming the bodies to be sprayed with wine or perfume. The family covers the bones or bodies in cloth and asks for blessings from their ancestors.

Whichever funeral plans you decide are right for you, consider making them personal with something special to you and your family. Porto Funeral Homes serves individuals in New Haven County, CT, with a number of traditional and unique memorials. These professionals understand the importance of respecting and remembering your loved ones, which is why they help plan and arrange services. To learn more about how they can help you during this difficult time, call (203) 467-3000 today. Learn more about their services by visiting their website.