15 Strange Funeral Customs From Around the World

Avoiding the name of the deceased

In some Australian Aboriginal cultures, when a person dies, the name of the deceased may not be uttered (the family and community elders determine the length of time for this “naming taboo,” which can range from months to years, depending on the status of the deceased). It is believed that after death, a person’s spirit makes a journey to the next world. However, when the deceased’s name is spoken, their spirit may be called back into this world, where it will create trouble for the family.