In this episode of the Common Ground series, we're diving into unique rituals from around the world that honor both birth and death, which is something we all share.
We cover:
• Navajo First Laugh Ceremony – United States (American Southwest, Navajo Nation)
• Baek-il (100-day celebration) – South Korea
• Selapan Ceremony (35th day) – Indonesia (Javanese culture)
• Jatakarma (Samskara birth ritual) – India (Hindu communities)
• Newborn Singing Traditions – West Africa (e.g., Yoruba, Akan, Ewe, Fulani, etc.)
• Oríkì (praise poetry for babies) – Nigeria (Yoruba culture)
• Aqiqah (naming and sacrifice ceremony) – Islamic tradition
• Whenua (placenta burial) – New Zealand (Māori culture)
• Miyamairi (shrine visit) – Japan (Shinto tradition)
• Traditional Christian European Funerals — Europe
• Ghanaian Fantasy Coffins & Celebratory Funerals – Ghana (Ga culture, especially near Accra)
• Torajan “Death Feasts” & Body Preservation – Indonesia (Sulawesi, Toraja people)
• Pacific Islander Vigil & Communal Mourning – Various Pacific Islands
• Jewish Shiva & Chevra Kadisha with Tahara – Jewish communities globally
• Japanese Family Body Preparation – Japan
• Hindu Cremation (especially along the Ganges) – India
• Sky Burial & Miniature Yurt Graves – Mongolia & Himalayan Buddhist regions
• Obon Festival & Lantern Floating (Tōrō Nagashi) – Japan
• Famadihana (“Turning of the Bones”) – Madagascar
• Islamic Burial & 3-Day Mourning Visits – Many Muslim-majority countries (especially Arab nations)
• Chehelom (40th Day Mourning Ceremony) – Iran (blend of Islamic and Persian traditions)
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