- A video showing two young siblings being passed over their mother’s coffin moments before burial left many social media users shocked
- Two men stood on opposite sides of the casket conducting the ritual as mourners joined the choir in singing
- Netizens shared divided opinions, with some defending the cultural practice while others questioned or criticised the ritual
An unusual scene at a funeral ceremony was captured on video, leaving many netizens stunned.
Source: Facebook
Moments before the final burial rites, mourners and family members gathered around the coffin placed on the ground.
The sound of drums and other instruments filled the air as a choir sang and a traditional ritual was performed. Two men stood on opposite sides of the coffin, passing the deceased woman’s children over it.
How was burial ritual conducted?
They started with a little boy dressed in an all-white suit and black shoes. Once they were done, they lifted a little girl dressed in a beautiful white dress, stockings and shoes.
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Each child was carefully passed over the coffin four times as mourners watched the unusual ritual unfold.
The video sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning the purpose of the ritual while others attempted to explain its cultural significance.
According to some African cultural beliefs, the ritual is performed to symbolically separate the spirits of children from that of their deceased parent.
It is believed that young children often have a strong spiritual bond with their parents. Passing them over the coffin is therefore meant to break that bond, preventing the children from spiritually following the deceased or experiencing misfortune.
In communities that practise it, the ritual is seen as a way of protecting the family lineage and ensuring the children continue living long lives.
Netizens stunned by bizarre burial ritual
Memoh Ke:
“Hii staff hukaa meme na jaba but but, hear me out when I say ni ukweli.”
Ochiel Godfrey:
“Do they do the same for elder children? Like how about adults, do they jump or what do they do? Just asking on behalf of many.”
Sly Stimuli:
“Those doubting this should understand that we Luhyas are a very spiritual people. Our forefathers endured tormenting times during their days to a point that they had to come up with practices that may seem weird to others.”
Nyawa wa Ngema:
“Western weeeh, hukonkwetu Kikuyuni. In fact, it’s an abomination for non-kin to attend burials. Traditionally only kins should. A dead person is thahu…you should be very careful even going near it.”
Dolphine Gesare:
“Before death and after death, my parents remain my dear parents. No one, I repeat, no one will separate them from me either physically or spiritually.”
Joseph Amulioto Opanda:
“I have lived on this earth for the last 56 years, yet I haven’t heard or seen this tradition conducted.”
Family breaks coffin, places deceased in sitting posture
In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a video showing relatives attempting to make their loved one sit up in a coffin left many stunned.
The clip captured two men entering the grave and breaking parts of the coffin to position the deceased man in a sitting posture.
After removing some parts of the coffin, they lifted the body, leaving mourners satisfied, while netizens questioned the unusual practice.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
