Listener Mail: Ghost Weddings, Bob Berdella, Maldives and A Proxy War
Sep 7, 2023
auto_awesome
Guest Bob Berdella shares the chilling tale of his serial killer crimes at Bob's Bazaar Bazaar. The hosts discuss the influence of movies on criminals and controversial depictions of serial killers in art. They also explore tensions and rising sea levels in the Maldives, and dive into the intriguing practice of ghost weddings. Education system issues and sponsor mentions wrap up the episode.
Ghost weddings are a longstanding cultural practice rooted in the belief that spirits need to be married for peace in the afterlife.
There have been instances of illegal activities associated with ghost weddings, such as trafficking and the sale of corpses for necrogamy.
Deep dives
Ghost Weddings: A Tradition of Posthumous Marriage
Ghost weddings, also known as posthumous marriages, are a longstanding cultural practice in various parts of the world. The tradition stems from the belief that a spirit will be left restless or incomplete without being married. Ghost weddings are seen as an affirmation of love and companionship in the afterlife. In some cases, these marriages are legally binding and can involve both deceased parties. While the practice has historical and cultural significance, there have been instances of illegal activities associated with ghost weddings. These include trafficking and the sale of corpses for necrogamy. It's essential to distinguish between the ancient tradition and illicit practices that exploit people's faith or cultural customs.
Crossing the Line: Darker Aspects of Ghost Weddings
While ghost weddings have historical and cultural roots, there have been darker aspects associated with the practice. It has been reported that criminal activities such as murder and corpse trading have taken place under the guise of ghost marriages. These illegal activities involve the killing of women for the purpose of selling their bodies to families seeking ghost brides. Such incidents highlight the disturbing exploitation of cultural traditions for personal gain. It's crucial to recognize that these illegal activities are not representative of the broader concept of ghost marriages, which is a deeply rooted cultural practice in certain communities.
The Significance of Ghost Weddings
Ghost weddings or posthumous marriages hold significance in various cultures around the world. The belief is that by marrying the deceased, their spirits will find peace and not be left alone in the afterlife. Ghost weddings are seen as a way to honor and extend love beyond death. While the tradition has historical and cultural significance, it's essential to distinguish between the genuine practice and criminal activities that exploit people's faith or cultural customs. Ghost weddings can be a source of comfort and meaning for those who believe in their spiritual significance.
Exploitation and Illicit Activities
While ghost weddings have a historical and cultural basis, there have been instances of exploitation and illicit activities associated with the practice. These include grave robbing, corpse trafficking, and murder for the purpose of selling bodies to families seeking ghost brides. These illegal activities undermine the genuine cultural and spiritual significance of ghost weddings. It's important to condemn and address such criminal actions while recognizing that they are not representative of the broader tradition of posthumous marriage.
A listener asks the gang for more information about Ghost Weddings. GP Scoothe writes in to tell the tale of Bob Berdella. A story about a burgeoning proxy war in the Maldives, one of the first countries that may lose itself to the rising ocean. And a few letters from home. All this and more in this week's listener mail segment.