Internment of remains in various cultures. (Philippines Tree Burial)

This week, we go to the Philippines. This lesser known culture of tree burial is surely on top of my list for the strange ways of dealing with human remains. It’s very meaningful but I’m not quite sure how i would actually feel to walk around trees with bodies inside them. Nevertheless, Here we go.

This unique cultural practice known as tree burial, is a traditional way of disposing of the dead that involves placing the body in the hollow trunk of a tree. This practice has been used by various indigenous groups in the Philippines for centuries, and is still practiced in some rural areas today.

The tree burial practice is based on the belief that the spirit of the deceased person will be absorbed by the tree, allowing them to live on in a new form. It is believed that the tree serves as a conduit between the spirit world and the physical world, and that the deceased person’s spirit will continue to live on in the tree long after they have passed away.

In order to carry out a tree burial, a large tree with a hollow trunk is carefully selected. The body of the deceased is then placed inside the hollow trunk, and the opening is sealed with a wooden plug or other material. The tree is then marked with a small cross or other symbol, indicating that it has been used for a burial.

The practice of tree burial is not limited to one particular group or culture in the Philippines, and can be found in various regions throughout the country. It is most commonly practiced by the Igorot people, who are an indigenous group that live in the northern mountainous region of Luzon. However, the practice has also been observed among other groups, such as the B’laan and T’boli tribes in the southern island of Mindanao.

One of the reasons why tree burial is still practiced today is because it is seen as a way of honoring and respecting the natural environment. The indigenous groups who practice this form of burial have a deep respect for the natural world and believe that trees have a spiritual significance. By using trees as a way of disposing of the dead, they are able to give back to the environment and honor the spirit of the deceased person in a meaningful way.

However, tree burial is not without controversy, and some have criticized it as a practice that is unsanitary and environmentally harmful. There have been concerns raised about the potential spread of disease, as well as the impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, the practice has become less common in recent years, as more modern methods of burial, such as cremation, have become more widely accepted.

Despite these concerns, tree burial remains an important part of the cultural heritage of the Philippines, and serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual connection that many indigenous groups have with the natural world. It is a practice that is steeped in tradition and meaning, and offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural history of the Philippines. As the country continues to evolve and modernize, it is important to recognize and honor these cultural practices, and to preserve them for future generations.