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Creepy! Hundreds of "Corpses" Walk In Toraja Every 3 Years - Ma'nene Tradition

Creepy! Hundreds of "Corpses" Walk In Toraja Every 3 Years - Ma'nene Tradition
Picture by : kumparan.com


Indonesia is very rich in culture and customs from various regions. This diversity is a plus for Indonesia in the eyes of the world because it can attract the attention of foreign tourists visiting here. One area that is well-known for its culture is Tana Toraja Regency in South Sulawesi.

The Toraja tribe has a unique funeral tradition that has been carried out from generation to generation; laying the bodies in the hills, having previously preserved them first. Not only that, they also have a ritual that is carried out every 3 years, namely cleaning and replacing the clothes of their ancestors who died tens or even hundreds of years ago! It looks horror, but this ritual called Ma'nene has become a kind of habit there. What does it look like?

Creepy! Hundreds of "Corpses" Walk In Toraja Every 3 Years - Ma'nene Tradition
picture by : kumparan.com

1. The typical Torajan grave containing hundreds of bodies is reopened every time Maenene ritual is performed. Even though they had been buried for decades, the corpses were not damaged because they had been preserved before. 

2. Before the chest is opened, this ritual is opened first by the elders of the tribe, similar to priests in Islam and priests in Christianity or Catholicism.

3. Then the Ma'nene process begins, namely by cleaning the ancestors' bodies using a brush. This process is carried out by the family.

4. After that the body is dressed in new clothes and dried in the sun for a few minutes so that it is dry and durable. 

The clothes that are paired are the clothes of the body's pride or favorite during life. For example, he used to work as a police officer, so he wore a police uniform.
Creepy! Hundreds of "Corpses" Walk In Toraja Every 3 Years - Ma'nene Tradition
picture by : kumparan.com

5. This ritual has become a 3 year agenda. The goal is that family members who leave the country can come and visit their parents or ancestors. In other words, to strengthen the relationship. 

6. There is a story that is believed by the Toraja people about the origin of this Ma'nene tradition. 

There is a story that is believed via www.indonesiakaya.com
He said there used to be a hunter named Pong Rumasek. One day he found a corpse in the middle of the road in poor condition. Because he didn't have the heart, he took off his clothes to put on the skeleton's body. Pong also moved him to a more appropriate place.

When he returned home, Pong was surprised to find his farm was ready to harvest before the time was due. After that he also had a lot of luck. The story is what then the background of the Ma'nene tradition until now. Torajans believe that taking care of the corpse can bring good luck.

7. No wonder if this Ma'nene ritual is generally done before the harvest period or before starting the planting period. The hope is that the harvest will be successful. 

8. You could say Ma'nene is not an ordinary ritual because apparently not everyone can do it, considering that it costs a lot. Usually those who are financially able are only royal descendants. 

9. Not to mention that the ritual is usually closed with a big meal with the family. All gathered to eat the existing dishes. 

10. For the Toraja people, nothing can really separate the living from the dead. There is always hope to meet loved ones even though the world is different. 

View death in a different way via phinemo.com
Hmm .. it's scary when I see the photos. Even though it's horror, it's like fun if you can watch this Ma'nene tradition live. Moreover, the implementation is only once every 3 years. Interested?