The hidden power of grief rituals

Grief can inspire concrete acts of loyalty and generosity.

By: Claire White, California State University, Northridge, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 15, 2026

Words: 1,412

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Claire White, California State University, Northridge

In Tana Toraja, a mountainous region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, villagers pour massive resources into funeral rituals: lavish feasts, ornate effigies and prized water buffaloes for sacrifice.

I witnessed this funeral ritual in 2024 while accompanying scholar Melanie Nyhof on her fieldwork. Families were expected to stage funerals that matched the social standing of the dead, even if it meant selling land, taking out loans or calling …

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