Rambu Solo', The Most Complex Funeral Ceremony in the World

In Tana Toraja, there are two big ceremony that are really popular. First is Rambu Solo', the funeral ceremony and second is Rambu Tuka', the thankfulness ceremony. Now, we're not going to talk about Rambu Tuka', but I will tell you a little bit about the most complex funeral ceremony in the world, Rambu Solo'. When someone dies in Toraja, the family members have to hold series of funeral ceremony for many days. The death body is not buried until the ceremony is over because she/he doesn't considered as dead people but a person who is sick or some other say "the one who is asleep". They are embalmed and put in the traditional house under the same roof with other family members. The thing that makes it more unique is that the deceased will be treated as they were alive. The family members will prepared some food and drink, taking care of the deceased, talking and even telling jokes. This could even lasts for several years, depending on how long the family members can raise the money to hold a funeral ceremony. 

In the past, the caste system in Tana Toraja is very strict. Only nobles can hold a big funeral ceremony. But now, the richer and more powerful the individual, the more expensive is the funeral. The family members have to slaughter buffaloes and pigs as they believe that the deceased will need the buffaloes and pigs to make the journey to Puya (the other world). The more buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered, it will makes the deceased quicker to arrive at Puya. Before being sacrificed according to a strictly defined procedure, the animals take part in trials of strength known as Tedong Silaga. This is why Rambu Solo' is very complex because it has many rules though that makes it unique.

Finally, when the dead people is buried, the family members will make a wood-carved effigy called tau-tau, carved with the likeness of the dead person. Tau-tau is placed in the balcony of the tomb to represent the dead and watch over their remains. 

That's all about what I can tell you about Rambu Solo'. Hope you like and interested to know more about Tana Toraja. Thanks :)