13. Living with the Dead (Toraja, Indonesia)

Among the Toraja of Indonesia, it is customary to keep the embalmed bodies of loved ones at home for weeks, months, or even years before their final burial. Families hold rituals that include changing the deceased’s clothes and offering food, treating them as honored members of the household. While this may seem startling to outsiders, it reflects a deep respect and enduring connection with ancestors in Toraja culture. Read more



