Philippines: Walls of the Dead
Mar 31, 2009 10:00:24 GMT
Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2009 10:00:24 GMT
In Sagada, Luzon, the loved ones of the dead, place the deceased in crevasses high atop mountainsides. For nearly two thousand years, this practice has taken place.
Coffins are usually made from hollowed out logs. The lids are then carved with symbols, such as a lizard. Since the coffins are usually small, the bodies are forced within, usually breaking bones in the process. The bodies are usually laid to rest without offerings. Occasionally, however, chairs have been tied to the coffins for the deceased to have, as well as jars with food or beverages.
Bodies from over 500 years ago contained mummies that were in the fetal position. Their bodies had been rubbed with herbs and smoked during funerary rites. More than 20 caves in Luzon contain such coffins, and while the practice is rare in the 21st century, some are still honored with his funerary rite.
Sagada natives do not believe in burying their dead, as they feel that the spirits should be able to roam freely. By burying a soul in the ground, one hinders the spirit. Strangely enough, during the funeral procession, the natives are apt to make loud noises, and shake the coffin. They also make erratic movements on the way to the caves in order to confuse the spirit. By doing so, it will be unable to find its way back to the village.
(from socyberty.com)