In this episode of the Common Ground series, we're diving into unique rituals from around the world that honor both birth and death, which is something we all share.

We cover:

• Navajo First Laugh Ceremony – United States (American Southwest, Navajo Nation)

• Baek-il (100-day celebration) – South Korea

• Selapan Ceremony (35th day) – Indonesia (Javanese culture)

• Jatakarma (Samskara birth ritual) – India (Hindu communities)

• Newborn Singing Traditions – West Africa (e.g., Yoruba, Akan, Ewe, Fulani, etc.)

• Oríkì (praise poetry for babies) – Nigeria (Yoruba culture)

• Aqiqah (naming and sacrifice ceremony) – Islamic tradition

• Whenua (placenta burial) – New Zealand (Māori culture)

• Miyamairi (shrine visit) – Japan (Shinto tradition)

• Traditional Christian European Funerals — Europe

• Ghanaian Fantasy Coffins & Celebratory Funerals – Ghana (Ga culture, especially near Accra)

• Torajan “Death Feasts” & Body Preservation – Indonesia (Sulawesi, Toraja people)

• Pacific Islander Vigil & Communal Mourning – Various Pacific Islands

• Jewish Shiva & Chevra Kadisha with Tahara – Jewish communities globally

• Japanese Family Body Preparation – Japan

• Hindu Cremation (especially along the Ganges) – India

• Sky Burial & Miniature Yurt Graves – Mongolia & Himalayan Buddhist regions

• Obon Festival & Lantern Floating (Tōrō Nagashi) – Japan

• Famadihana (“Turning of the Bones”) – Madagascar

• Islamic Burial & 3-Day Mourning Visits – Many Muslim-majority countries (especially Arab nations)

• Chehelom (40th Day Mourning Ceremony) – Iran (blend of Islamic and Persian traditions)

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