There are two kinds of
ceremonies which have to be done before the funeral:
-
Ma'pasonglo'
(ceremony of the
first day)
Procession of the dead person around
his/her house. This ceremony is done as simple as possible, by
only inviting close relatives.
-
Rutaun kumu
(party of the
second day
)
At this party, relations are
invited, and there are prepared "lantang" (temporary houses for
guests).
Even though some of the Torajan are
Christians, they still conduct this party because:
-
Showing their social
status
-
Family reunion
-
Opportunity for debtors to pay their
debts
-
Opportunity for the family to repay
the good deeds of the deceased person.
The party is made great, but it depends on the
economic condition of the family. People sacrificed buffaloes and
pigs at the party; they believe that the more animals sacrificed,
the faster the deceaced person get accepted in heaven. Usually in a
party by nobles, it is uncomplete if the family does not sacrifice
2-10 striped buffaloes. The striped buffaloes are original from
Toraja, and they are already rare. Nowadays, there are only 2-3
striped buffaloes in a village.
The horns of
sacrificed buffaloes usually are placed in front of Torajan
traditional houses. The more horns displayed, the richer the
family.
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