Mexican Burial Customs

In Mexico, people are buried in coffins in the ground. The Mexicans also have a holiday that is similar to Halloween, and it is called the Day of the Dead. However, the Day of the Dead is not only one day, but many. It lasts from mid-October through the first week of November. Day of the Dead is celebrated like Halloween, and the people welcome the spirits of the dead with open arms, for this is the holiday in which the spirits can pay a visit to home. 
 

To prepare for this visit, many households start off by setting up an alter, and decorating it with flowers, candles, candy, food, drink and more. Naturally, when the spirit visits, it has to wash up before it eats, so a hand basin and wash towel is included. Day of the Dead is a holiday that many people enjoy and value annually.

Hawaiian Burial Customs

In Hawaii, death is not something to take lightly. The death of a king, queen or high chief is no exception. In fact, the death of a king, queen or high chief is a great time of mourning to the people. The people who knew the people the most are the people who mourn the greatest. They weep, mourn, cut their hair, knock out teeth, scar their skin, and sometimes even cut off one of their ears. William Ellis, a reverend in the 1800s, saw a queen in great pain while having her tongue tattooed with a black line after her husband died. When he asked her about it, she said that it hurt, but the pain of her grief was greater than that could ever be.

It was believed that the iwi, or bones held great power, and benefited whoever possessed them. The skull, leg, and occasionally arm bones were especially hidden, guarded and preserved. 

Burial caves are found all over Hawaii, with men, women and small children buried in the sand dunes. Many caves however, had already been found and raided.  

After the 1990s, which is when President Bush created and signed the Native American Grave Protection, which protects Native American burial sites. That group is called the Hui Malama. The Hui Malama transports bones under the cover of night, and utmost secrecy. When someone important dies, their grave is surrounded with either rocks or high poles. Common people were buried in natural tombs, like caves or hollows. 

Interesting Funeral Facts Part 1

Flowers placed at the grave were originally brought to promote good will with the spirit of the deceased.

The tradition of playing loud music at an Irish wake originated with the belief that it would ward off evil spirits. The wake also presented an opportunity to watch over the deceased to see if he/she would awaken.

Approximately 6,400 burials are conducted annually at Arlington National Cemetery, which is an average of about 28 burials are performed each day.

Interesting Funeral Facts Part 2

A properly folded military flag shows 4 stars, one each to represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

Taberger’s safety coffin was developed in 1829. It included a bell to ring that would alert the graveyard workers if they were being buried alive.

Prior to the 20th century, some European families would hire professional mourners to either look sad or wail.

Elephants and chimpanzees both have been known to bury their dead, by throwing leaves and branches over the deceased members of their families.

An odd spot to have a cemetery, an apartment building’s parking lot in Hattiesburg, Mississippi has a small cemetery.