SEE: 5 Unique Cemeteries Around the World

All Saints’ day is fast approaching and it won’t be long till you make your annual visit to the cemetery.

For centuries, people perceived cemeteries as haunting and hair-raising. But with creativity, bizarre traditions, and strange beliefs, people from different cultures have created unique final resting places for their loved ones.

Let’s take a closer look at five of the most unique cemeteries across the globe.

1. Hanging Coffins in Sagada, Philippines

A very interesting ritual that the Igorot tribe of Saganda in Mountain Provinces of the Philippines has been practicing for centuries is the hanging of coffins on cliff faces. They place the remains of  their deceased relatives inside wooden boxes then nail and tie the wooden boxes on the cliff. The tribe claims that hanging a coffin may bring them closer to heaven and at the same time, put them in a position where they can watch over their living family members.

2. Merry Cemetery in Romania

Also known as Cimitirul Vesel, the Merry Cemetery is located behind Sapanta’s Church of Assumption in northern Romania and is known for the colourful tombstones with beautifully- carved wooden crosses,  and hilarious tales about the the deceased person’s life engraved on it. A tourist attraction in the country, the Merry cemetery was believed to be founded by local artist Stan Ioan Pătraş in 1935. So if you want to visit a cemetery and entertain yourself at the same time, then you should consider Merry Cemetery.

3. Neptune Society Memorial Reef in Miami, Florida

An artificial reef built as an artistic interpretation of The Lost City of Atlantis, Neptune Society Memorial Reef is located 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida. The reef is made of ashes of the recently deceased and other materials. Relatives may opt to visit their loved ones  by snorkeling, diving or floating above in a boat. This cemetery is not just one-of-a-kind but is also believed to increase aquatic life in the particular area of the sea. Thus, its tagline: “Creating life after life.”

4. Okunoin Cemetery in Mt. Koya, Japan

A vast cemetery with more than 200,000 stone tupas of all shapes and sizes in the forest floor, the Okunoin Cemetery is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from Jizo statues and war memorials, the Japanese cemetery features the mausoleum of its founder Kobo Daish. Many prominent historical figures are buried in this cemetery including the great general Oda Nobunaga. Not unique enough? Pay a visit to this cemetery to get a chance to see Buddhists dressed in an all- white attire carrying a staff.

5. City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt

This cemetery is not just for the dead, it also accommodates the living. Situated in the city of Cairo, the City of the Dead houses about a million tombs dating back as early as 7th century AD. In fact, some Egyptian kings were buried in this cemetery. Through centuries, poor families had to transform mausoleums and tombs into shelters due to housing problems and high rent. However, tourists are not encouraged to visit this cemetery because it is known to be dangerous and the residents aren’t very welcoming to strangers.