Meet the Tribe That Laughs at Funerals but Cries at Weddings

Imagine rolling up to a wedding and seeing people wailing like their data just finished mid-transaction. Then, you attend a funeral, expecting tears and sorrow, but instead, people are laughing like they just heard the juiciest family gist.

Sounds like a reversed Nollywood script, right? Well, for the Toraja people of Indonesia, this is just vibes and Insha Allah—because in their world, funerals are a celebration and weddings are a crisis.

Wait, What?! They Laugh at Funerals?

Yes, and it’s not just polite giggles. It’s a full-blown, carnival-level, laughter-fueled fest. You see, in Torajan culture, death is not “the end” but just a long sleep before the real journey begins. So, when someone dies, their family doesn’t just bury them immediately like we do in Nigeria when we’re rushing to avoid village people wahala. Instead, they keep the body in the house for months, even YEARS, treating them like they’re still alive—offering food, giving them gist, and even tucking them in at night.

When the funeral finally happens, it’s a multi-day party. Think music, feasting, buffalo sacrifices, and—of course—laughter. Because to them, this is a grand send-off, like escorting your guy to Canada with a proper owambe. The bigger the funeral, the more respect you’ve given the dead. So, no small chops, no peace!

But Weddings? Pure Crisis Mode!

Now, flip the script. When it’s time for a wedding, the mood switches to premium sadness. Why? Because marriage means losing a family member—especially for the bride, who is leaving her family’s home and becoming part of another household. If you grew up in Nigeria, you’ve definitely heard your mum say, “Once you marry, your husband’s family is now your family.” Now imagine that statement coming with actual mourning and loud sobbing.

It’s the ultimate “O ma se o” situation. Parents cry, siblings cry, even that aunty who barely talks to the bride suddenly turns into a full-time actress. Instead of dance floors and zanku battles, you have emotional breakdowns and existential dread.

Nigeria Needs to Copy This ASAP

Be honest, does this not sound like a vibe?

• Imagine attending a funeral in Lagos and instead of somber faces, everyone is laughing, eating jollof, and playing Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba.”
• Or picture a Nigerian wedding where the bride’s mum is giving a full Nollywood crying performance, complete with rolling on the floor and shouting, “Don’t take my daughter!”
• Even better, what if we combined both? Laugh at weddings AND at funerals? Double the madness.

Why This Is a Cultural Reset

The Torajans flipped life’s biggest events and somehow made it work. While the rest of the world is crying at funerals and throwing cash at weddings, they’re out here saying “Why stress when you can just vibe?”

Maybe it’s time to rethink our traditions. Maybe we should stop fearing death and start celebrating life. Maybe we should cry at weddings to prepare people for Nigerian in-laws.

Or maybe, just maybe… we should all book a flight to Indonesia and experience the madness firsthand. Who’s in?

Final Thoughts?

Would you be down for this cultural switch-up, or do you prefer the classic “chop life first” style we know? Drop your hot takes in the comments! Let’s gist. 👇🏾🔥

Hey Luv, Wait. Feel More Crackko Vibe:

For more weird and wonderful cultural surprises, check out our Global Quirks section.