Unique custom of Indonesian villagers: Taking out mummified ancestors, dressing them in new clothes and parading

Recently, in the Toraja tribe on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, a peculiar custom activity - the "ma'nene" ceremony was held again, attracting a lot of attention.

According to this traditional custom, tribe members carefully take the mummified remains of their deceased relatives out of the tomb. These mummies are usually well-preserved, with dark brown skin and clearly visible bones. The villagers will carefully clean the remains, trim their nails, comb their hair, and then dress them in the most fashionable clothes and match them with various accessories such as necklaces, sunglasses, and hats. After being elaborately dressed up, these mummies are paraded through the village. Throughout the process, the villagers are devout. They believe that in this way, the souls of their ancestors can be pacified and satisfied.

The "ma'nene" ceremony is held once every three years, usually after the harvest season in August. At this time, most of the clansmen who work outside will return to their hometowns and jointly participate in this grand celebration. For the Toraja people, death is not the end, but part of the journey to the afterlife. So the atmosphere of this ceremony is not sad, but rather has a hint of celebration. After the parade, the mummies will return to the homes where they lived before. With the consent of their families, tourists can also take pictures with these special "participants".

This unique custom is not only a manifestation of the Toraja tribe's remembrance and respect for the deceased, but also has become a well-known festival in the local area that attracts many tourists. Although this custom seems very peculiar to the outside world, it carries the cultural beliefs and historical inheritance of the Toraja tribe and has profound meaning and value locally.