69. Common Ground: Birth & Death — Rituals for Life's First & Final Moments
69. Common Ground: Birth & Death — Rituals for Life's First & Final Moments  
Podcast: Wiser World
Published On: Tue Dec 09 2025
Description: 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) Sign up for my free weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wiserworld.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like ad-free episodes and additional resources, head to to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices