Are you craving for a unique travel experience, to immerse yourself completely in another country's traditions – no matter how bizarre? If so, this story of truly chilling traditions might be exactly the thrill you're seeking. Indonesia is no stranger to strange cultural practices. From one tip of the country to the other, each region possesses a unique culture, with centuries-old traditions that are still kept even today. While some are enchanting and intriguing, many are chilling and peculiar. Read on to learn more about some of the seriously fascinating cultural practices across Indonesia that are sure to make your jaw drop!
1. Death doesn't mean goodbye – The Death Ritual of Tana Toraja
When it comes to death, some people have a rather unorthodox point of view. For the people of Toraja, death is not something to be mourned; instead, they see death as the climax of life and an occasion worthy of celebration. In Tana Toraja, the celebration of death is undoubtedly one of the grandest and most complex events that people can witness in Indonesia.
1.a Party for the dead – Rambu Solo and the Makula
The Torajans believe that when a person passes on, the body of the deceased may decay, but the spirit will linger until a grand funeral ceremony. This ceremony (known as Rambu Solo) may seem to be an occasion of mourning, but the Torajans view it more as a celebration – one that delivers the spirit to the last destination of life, a final resting place referred to as 'Puyo'. Creepily enough, the 'makula' will be fed, talked to, and played with like a living person. This is totally normal for the Torajan people, and is a very common practice. So if you're lucky enough to see this custom for yourself, don't freak out if you come across a dead body in someone's house!
1.b The spirit of the dead lives: Tau-Tau
The funeral culture in Tana Toraja doesn't end with Rambu Solo! Torajans who firmly believe in an afterlife will continue to honour the deceased, and maintain a link between the living and the dead through what is known as a 'Tau-tau'. A Tau-tau is an effigy carved from wood or bamboo that represents the deceased, usually resembling the person who has died and can be found near their grave. Torajans believe that the spirit of the dead will continue to live on through the Tau-tau and serve as the guardians of the tomb and saviour of the living.
1.c Bringing the dead back from the grave: Ma'nene
Yes, theTorajans literally bring their deceased loved ones back from the grave.This is done inorder to perform a shocking yet heartwarming ritual called Ma'nene.
1.d Burying dead babies in the hole of a tree: Passiliran
You read that right. This particularly shocking custom involves a baby cemetery at the base of a tree.
Babies under sixmonths of age (and without teeth) were considered sacred by the Torajans. So ifthe babies of Torajans die before reaching six months old, they would bewrapped with 'Enau' leaves and buried inside the hole of a 'Tarra' tree,symbolising the return of the baby into their mother's womb.
2. The water buffalo cosplay – Kebo-Keboan
Every culture or religion has a unique way of offering devotion to their gods. Some through the prayer, some through meditation, and some through sacrifice. But this particularly odd custom involves impersonating a water buffalo!
3.Superhuman powers – The ancient martial art of Debus
Are you a fan ofsuperheroes? Well, in Banten, you might actually get to meet one.Debus is amartial art originating from Banten, with a focus on developing tolerance topain (particular self-inflicted stabbing).
