For many cultures, death isn’t a time for mourning and is instead a joyful celebration of someone’s life. From far-off Tibet to Victorian England, friends, families, and communities have taken part in novel ceremonies, traditions, and funeral services to wish their loved ones farewell and good luck on the next part of their journey. Here are some of the most unusual, captivating, and odd funeral traditions from all over the world.

How People Celebrate Life Around the Globe

1. Green Burials in America

A trend happening the world over—but with real traction in America—is the green funeral. People are consciously choosing environmentally friendly funeral services, refusing to use embalming chemicals and opting for biodegradable burial materials. Their goal is to minimize the impact on the environment as much as possible.

2. Sky Burials in Mongolia & Tibet

Vajrayana Buddhists believe the soul departs this world when you die, leaving the body behind. As a last act of charity toward the animals of the earth, they dissect the body and leave it at the top of a mountain for vultures to pick clean. Afterward, they collect the bones, grind them up, and feed them to ravens.

3. Death Beads in South Korea

Space constraints in South Korea prompted the government to pass a law in 2000 requiring all families who had buried a loved one to remove the grave after 60 years. This initiated a surge in cremation services. However, rather than opt for a traditional urn to store ashes, many people have decided to have the ashes compressed into stunning beads that they wear or display at home.

4. Photo Shoots With the Dead in Victorian England

The Victorians had a morbid obsession with death. During the era, people often passed away at a very young age due to disease, so an unusual trend called memento mori started. Families had one last group portrait with their deceased loved one dressed up and made to look as if they were alive.

Frederick Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH, has helped countless families and friends celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Since 1932, they have been there for those that are grieving to help them through the emotional process of planning arrangements. Their kindly team also assists in pre-planning funeral services, guiding you through your options and helping you set up affordable payment plans. If you have any questions or would like to speak with one of the compassionate team members, call (513) 522-3700. Visit their website for more information.