In what seems a unique strategy for coping with its colonial
history, death and burial practices on the tiny island nation of
Kiribati, a string of atolls in the Indian ocean comprising one
of the smallest countries in the world, incorporate diverse
elements of the hugely influential Christian missions, as well
as local pagan religions that date far back into the island’s
ancestry. In what seems highly reminiscent of 19th Century
traditional Christian burial, the body is laid out in their home
for a period of days so that loved ones can pay their respects.
This can last up to three days, or longer if the recently passed
was a prominent member of the community. A wake is conducted,
complete with eulogies, coin and food offerings and the
gathering of kinsfolk, and the body is buried either in a local
cemetery or near to the family’s home. Many could be forgiven
for detecting more than a hint of what we in the U.S. now call a
“home funeral,” but which was merely a typical funeral from and
before the early part o