Beyond Tradition: Rethinking Burial Customs in Southeast Nigeria.

Beyond Tradition: Rethinking Burial Customs in Southeast Nigeria for Economic and Environmental Sustainability

In Southeast Nigeria, the tradition of extravagant burials has become deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric. However, this practice comes at a steep cost for families, often leading to financial strain and unsustainable sacrifices. The exorbitant expenses associated with burial ceremonies have raised concerns about the long-term economic viability of this tradition.
Families in the Southeast part of Nigeria go to great lengths to ensure their departed loved ones receive a lavish send-off. From elaborate caskets to extravagant feasts and ceremonies, the costs can quickly escalate beyond the means of many families. Moreover, the practice of keeping the deceased in the mortuary for extended periods to raise more money for the burial adds to the financial burden.

In some cases, families resort to selling off their properties or going into debt to finance these extravagant burial rites. The pressure to conform to societal expectations often compels individuals to make drastic financial decisions, jeopardizing their financial stability and future well-being. It's not uncommon for families to start from scratch after exhausting their resources on a single burial ceremony.
The economic challenges facing the common man in Nigeria only exacerbate the issue. With limited access to financial resources and a struggling economy, the burden of funding extravagant burials becomes even more unsustainable. In a country where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, the lavish spending on burial ceremonies highlights a stark disconnect between tradition and economic reality.

The growing concern over the sustainability of this practice begs the question: How can the cost of burial rights be brought to a more manageable level? One potential solution lies in promoting more modest and eco-friendly burial practices. Encouraging simpler ceremonies that prioritize the dignity of the deceased without excessive spending could alleviate the financial strain on families while still honoring tradition.
Additionally, there is a need for greater community support systems to assist families in times of bereavement. Establishing community burial funds or insurance schemes could provide financial assistance to families struggling to cover burial expenses. By pooling resources and sharing the financial burden, communities can help ensure that every member receives a dignified burial without pushing families into financial ruin.

Furthermore, raising awareness about the long-term consequences of unsustainable burial practices is essential. Educating the public about the financial implications of extravagant ceremonies and promoting discussions about alternative options can foster a cultural shift towards more responsible and sustainable burial customs.

One example of a lavish burial in Southeast Nigeria is the practice of hosting multi-day ceremonies with extravagant decorations, elaborate feasts, and ostentatious displays of wealth. For instance, a family might invest in a luxurious casket made of imported materials, adorned with gold or other precious metals. The burial ceremony itself may involve hiring live bands, dancers, and performers to entertain guests, along with elaborate floral arrangements and decorations.

In addition to the ceremony, families often feel pressure to provide lavish gifts and hospitality to guests, including expensive food and drinks. This can include serving delicacies such as assorted meats, fine wines, and other luxury items to demonstrate the family's social status and hospitality.

Furthermore, families may incur significant expenses in transporting the deceased's body, accommodating out-of-town guests, and hosting various rituals and ceremonies throughout the mourning period. All of these costs contribute to the overall extravagance of the burial, often placing a heavy financial burden on the family and contributing to the cycle of excessive spending on funeral rites.

In conclusion, the expensive burial culture in Southeast Nigeria poses significant challenges to the economic well-being of families and communities. To ensure long-term sustainability, there is a pressing need to rethink traditional burial practices and find innovative solutions that balance cultural heritage with economic realities. By promoting more modest and community-supported approaches to burial, we can honor the memory of our loved ones while building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Reference:

The Internet.