Today, I’d like to show you around another amazing place in Indonesia – Rantepao. It is the capital city of Tana Toraja region known for rather unusual funeral traditions.
Till I've visited the place I have never seen so intense green color. So, follow me through the emerald rice fields and stunning mounts.
It was raining a lot that day, so the fog was running low in the valley. The path turned all slippy and muddy and I nearly plopped into one especially big and dirty puddle. But it was worth it ‘cause that’s what you see around.
Bulls are considered the sacred animal in Tana Toraja. They aren’t used in farming, being bred and kept only for a special occasion – the funerals.
The Christianity has been brought here just around 100 years ago and got well-mixed with the local pagan beliefs resulting into very peculiar traditions. If you ask a Torajan what’s his religion, he would proudly say that he’s a Christian. But would say that he often brings small gifts to a cave tomb where his ancestors are buried to receive the spirits’ goodwill.
When anyone dies, it is considered that the bull will guide the spirit safely to the underworld. And yes, the animals get killed during the funeral ceremony…
The more – the better as this would accelerate the soul’s transition to the afterlife.
A rare breed with blue eyes and marble coloring. Such bull could cost around 20K $ How do people earn money here for buying around 10-12 bulls for a funeral ceremony?
I don’t know.The local guide carefully avoided answering my question and started telling me about rice. They grow a lot of rice here in Tana Toraja.
Most rice is still hand picked
Hey, look whom else I’ve got here! A few new friends came to say “Hi” J
P.S. Your feet would likely look like this.
