Why Rituals Matter Across Cultures

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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