Maasai is a tribe that exist both in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Like every other ethnic group, they have unique traditions and rituals which they carry out and of a great significance among the Maasai people.
Traditionally, most Maasians believe that the god Enkai created the world and they considered themselves God’s chosen people. Today, many people have converted to Christianity. However, most people don’t believe in the afterlife, so they don’t have elaborate funeral or burial traditions.
Prior to the advent of Christianity in the region, the Maasai tribe never believed in afterlife. Once someone dies, they believe his/her journey has ended, and the soul has left the body. They also believe their sins are transferred to their loved ones, so it can affect their family’s future generations.
They have simple burial traditions since they don’t believe in the afterlife. Similar to Ancient Tibetan and Mongolian traditions, the Maasai people leave the body out for scavengers. They consider this a form of green burial to reduce pollution. However, those who practice Christianity may have traditional burials for their loved one.
The people of Maasai cover the body of the dead with ox blood or cattle fat and leave them in a bush for scavengers to eat. The deceased is considered a good person if they eat them on the first night. However, the deceased is considered a bad person if they don’t eat them by the second night. To make up for the deceased being bad and to avoid bad luck, their family has an animal sacrifice.
What a Unique tradition. You can drop on the comment box your take on this.
What a Unique tradition. You can drop on the comment box your take on this.
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