A Unique Celebration of Life: Ghana’s Festive Funerals

These caskets, also called adebuu adekai or ‘fantasy coffins,” are often intricate and brightly colored. These are personalized sarcophagi designed to represent a significant aspect of the person's life. These ornate coffins are created to depict a significant part of the deceased's life and could include symbolic representations of their profession, status, treasured possessions, or aspirations. In the past, journalists Fellipe Abreu and Henrique Hedler visited two Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshops - one in the capital city of Accra and the other in the southern city of Kumasi - to meet the carpenters who crafted custom-made coffins.

The airplane is a highly favored design for fantasy coffins, representing the departed's voyage to the afterlife. In rural parts of Ghana, where cocoa is one of the largest exports, families save their hard-earned money to bury their loved ones in tailor-made cocoa pods.

At times, the expensive cost of personalized coffins compels community members to contribute towards their production. 

Funeral customs vary among different ethnic groups in Ghana. The Upper East Region is known for its distinct burial traditions. According to a report by The Guardian, the deceased is wrapped in a mat and carried by men who compete for the honor. Along the way to the burial site or cemetery, the procession makes stops at places that hold significance to the deceased.

Despite their differences, both groups in northern and southern Ghana hold death and the afterlife in high regard and turn their final farewells to loved ones into timeless celebrations of life.

Customs and Traditions

Guests or community members who attend a Ghanaian funeral are expected to dress formally in black and white. The black-and-white dress code is to express gratitude to God and mark the end of the initial mourning period.

In the Ashanti culture, certain customs and traditions are followed during the mourning period. One of these customs is that the deceased's immediate family members can be identified by their attire, which is typically red and black.

Read more in our blog, What To Wear To A Memorial Service, Other Than Black? Attire Tips and Choosing the Perfect Memorial Keepsake.

On the other hand, the chieftains and other high-ranking officials wear traditional garb and sit under elaborate umbrellas to observe the ceremonies and festivities. These customs and traditions have been a part of the Ashanti culture for many generations and are still followed today to pay respect and honor to the deceased and their families.

The son of the departed frequently wore head coverings made of net material adorned with tiny ladders, red peppers, and eggshells. The red peppers represent the gravity of the event, and the eggshells convey the emotions of sorrow and helplessness felt by those wearing them.

The commemoration of the deceased can resemble a festivity, with neighbors and visitors possibly purchasing food and drinks from vendors stationed on the streets. It is believed that the deceased has not yet been united with their ancestral spirits until the celebration has taken place.

Ghanaian Funeral Etiquette

Funerals are a centerpiece of social life in Ghana due to the country's high regard for the deceased. Typically, before the celebration of life commences, a funeral ceremony is held, often featuring religious blessings and tribute speeches.

In some cases, families may choose to hire mourners to cry at the funeral as a sign of respect for the departed loved one. Additionally, service conductors, usually elders, are important in praying for the deceased during the ceremony.

Knowing funeral etiquette is crucial if you are attending a Ghanaian funeral. This involves being mindful of what to wear, what kind of gift to bring, and the general atmosphere at a Ghanaian funeral.

The mood of a Ghanaian funeral can alternate between somber and joyful. Guests should be mindful of the family's religious and spiritual beliefs, whether Christian, Islamic, indigenous, or something else.

A ritual bath is often performed before the celebration. This bath represents renewal and purification, and it prepares both the living and the departed for the journey that lies ahead.

Bringing families together to embrace through handshakes, hugs, and mourning in close proximity is also a crucial aspect of funerals. In several Ghanaian tribes, it is a long-standing tradition to shake hands with the deceased's family. This act of respect has been incorporated into ceremonies and is considered mandatory.

In addition to funerals, Ghanaians also honor the deceased on their death anniversaries. The primary observance occurs one week after the person passes away. During the week following the death, the family will prepare and keep the body before burial. 

After a week, the family commemorates the day and remembers the departed's life. However, the one-week celebration is less elaborate than the funeral, which takes place several weeks later.

What to Bring to Ghanaian Funerals

In Ghanaian culture, funerals are grand and elaborate, expensive ceremonies. To help cover the costs associated with these events, there is typically a designated area where mourners can make donations. These donations can be a significant help to the family during a difficult time.

At the start of a Ghanaian funeral, there is usually a formal announcement of the person's passing. During this announcement, the family may request specific gifts or offerings from the mourners. Some traditional offerings can include flowers, money, or other tokens of sympathy.

In modern times, friends of the bereaved family may bring memorial keepsakes to help support the grieving family as they cope with their loss. These keepsakes can include items such as keepsake boxes, photo frames, and affirmation cards. By offering these thoughtful gifts, friends can show their support and offer comfort during a difficult time.

The Power of Comfort Cards in Times of Loss

When someone dear to us passes away, it can be a difficult time for those who are left behind. While mourning and grief are natural and essential parts of the healing process, it can also help to have tangible reminders of love and support during this challenging time.

One way to offer comfort and solace to grieving people is through the use of comfort cards. These cards are often adorned with uplifting messages and images designed to remind the bereaved of the love and support they have around them.

By bringing comfort cards to a funeral or memorial service, guests can offer a physical representation of the connection and celebration of the life and passions of the departed. These cards can serve as a powerful symbol of hope and encouragement for those who are mourning, offering a reminder that they are not alone in their grief.

Read more in our blog, What are Grief Affirmation Cards - also known as Comfort Cards for loss?.

Critique Surrounding Ghanaian Funerals

The African way of celebrating life is important to many, but it can also be met with criticism. Some people question the appropriateness of joyous festivities during times of loss and grief, while others are concerned about the seemingly excessive spending.

In Ghanaian society, there is strong social pressure to hold an impressive funeral. Despite tribal chiefs' efforts to curb costs, such as prohibiting all-night wakes and limiting the number of drummers, these pleas have not been heeded. With refrigerated morgues now available, the length of time a body stays in storage has become an indicator of a family's wealth. The cost of storing a body is 400 cedis per month.

The burden of financing funerals has become so high that people have started taking out bank loans, resulting in new insurance policies. Funeral coverage has become a major source of business for the country's biggest insurers. Some people criticize Ghanaians for investing more in the dead than in the living.

Apart from this, fantasy coffins may seem strange to some people and fail to evoke the solemnity typically associated with funerals in the Western world. However, it is important to remember that there is no universal language for grief and death, and these traditions in Africa, although unusual, should be respected.

Celebrating Life and Sense of Community

Africans have a unique way of celebrating the lives of their deceased loved ones, which may seem strange to others. However, these customs must be respected because they are an essential part of their heritage.

Their celebrations of life serve as powerful reminders of the strength of the human spirit, showing us that even in the face of loss, there is still an opportunity to find joy in the memories, love, and connections we share with the departed.

One of this tradition's most remarkable aspects is its sense of community. Friends and family members come together during this time to offer each other support, play music, sing, dance, and honor the life of their loved one. It's a beautiful manifestation of togetherness and solidarity, reminding us that we are not alone in our grief and that we can find comfort and healing in the company of others.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of celebrating life in African cultures?

In African cultures, celebrating life is considered very important because it is seen as a natural part of human existence. Death is not viewed as an endpoint but rather a transition to the afterlife, which is celebrated as a continuation of life in a different form. This belief in the continuity of life is reflected in the vibrant and lively approach that African ethnic groups take towards funerals. Celebrations of life are marked by happiness and togetherness.

2. How do comfort cards help in the grieving process?

Comfort cards can be helpful in the healing process for both the bereaved. These cards are designed to provide comfort, support, and encouragement to those who are going through a difficult time. They often include thoughtful messages to uplift the bereaved’s spirits and remind them that they are not alone in their grief. By sending comfort cards, loved ones can show their support and let the person know that they are there for them through this difficult time. Additionally, receiving these cards can provide comfort and validation for the grieving person, as they see that others care about their well-being. Overall, comfort cards can be a simple yet effective way to help someone through the grieving process.

3. Are there any criticisms of the celebration of life traditions?

One criticism of celebrating life traditions is that they may be seen as inappropriate or disrespectful to some people who prefer a more solemn or traditional approach to mourning. Some may feel that the focus on celebrating the life of the deceased may diminish the gravity of their passing or seem insensitive to those who are still grieving deeply. Additionally, some may argue that the pressure to create a unique and memorable celebration can be overwhelming for the bereaved family members, adding to their stress during an already difficult time. However, it's important to acknowledge that everyone grieves differently, and there is no one "right" way to mourn the loss of a loved one.

4. What is the significance of gifts in celebrations of life?

Gifts serve as a representation of the deceased person's life and interests, which helps to create a feeling of unity and festivity among the attendees. In addition to tangible gifts, friends of the bereaved may also provide donations to help cover the expenses of the funeral service or celebration of life.

5. How do celebrations of life contribute to the sense of community?

Celebrations of life are an essential part of building a sense of community. Such events bring people together, allowing them to strengthen their connections and build new relationships. Celebrations of life can be religious or secular. Still, they all serve the same purpose - to commemorate an important event or milestone and bring people together to share in the joy and happiness of the occasion. By celebrating together, people can develop a stronger sense of belonging and a deeper appreciation for their community.

References:

• CNN, Zaina Adamu. “Ghana’s Lavish Funerals Can Last up to Seven Days. Now, a Centuries-Old Tradition Has Gone Online.” CNN, 6 Apr. 2020, edition.cnn.com/2020/04/08/world/africa/ghana-burial-traditions-intl/index.html.

• “Funerals in Ghana.” Www.coeurdexocolat.com, www.coeurdexocolat.com/funerals-in-ghana.

• “Ghana’s Red-Hot Funerals: Buried in a Chilli Pepper.” Www.bbc.com, 26 Nov. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46142977.

• Gire, James. “How Death Imitates Life: Cultural Influences on Conceptions of Death and Dying.” Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, vol. 6, no. 2, 1 Dec. 2014, https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1120.

• Goldade, Jenny. “Cultural Spotlight: Ghanaian Funeral Traditions.” Frazer Consultants, 7 Apr. 2017, www.frazerconsultants.com/2017/04/cultural-spotlight-ghanaian-funeral-traditions/.

• “In Black Communities, Homegoing Rituals Honor the Dead and the Living through a Blend of African and Christian Traditions» Evermore.” Evermore, 31 Jan. 2023, evermore.org/in-black-communities-homegoing-rituals-honor-the-dead-and-the-living-through-a-blend-of-african-and-christian-traditions/.

• Newton, Paula. “The Long Goodbye: Why Funerals Are Big Deals in Ghana.” CNN, 12 Mar. 2014, edition.cnn.com/2014/03/11/world/africa/on-the-road-ghana-funerals/index.html.

• Pannecoucke, Kris . ““Reggae, Hip-Hop and a Lot of Humour”: The Ghanaian Funeral Troubadour’s Joyful Soundtrack for the Dead.” The Guardian, 16 Oct. 2023, www.theguardian.com/global-development/gallery/2023/oct/16/funeral-songs-the-musician-providing-a-soundtrack-for-the-dead-in-north-east-ghana. Accessed 8 Mar. 2024.

• “Washingtonpost.com: African Lives.” www.washingtonpost.com, 22 Dec. 1997, www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/africanlives/ghana/ghana.htm.