Sagada hanging coffins

On the way to Ambasing, one of Sagada's 19 barangays, limestone karts cliffs dotted with pine trees dominate the landscape as seen in the this photograph. On these cliffs, perched precariously on a wedge, four or five coffins are arranged in a pile. The oldest one is more than a century old; the latest addition was put into place decades ago. It belonged to a lady from Demang (another Sagada barangay) who happens to be a great-aunt of this webmaster.



In similar places around Sagada, one may find these "hanging" coffins. They are usually in groups, some neatly piled, others randomly stacked. All found in places seemingly impossible to reach. Places that can be touched only by mother nature.

These hanging coffins will be there for as long as the elements would allow them. They're precious tokens from a fabled past... adding mystic to an already mystifying place.


Photo: Inkblots™

The coffins are found in places that are difficult to reach and only touched by the elements of nature. The coffins are made by the elderly before their demise. If they are weak of suffering from major ailments their children or other close relatives undertake the work of building the coffin.

The practice entails placing the bodies into a comfortable position of the coffin. Bones are often cracked and broken with the completion of the process. After the dead bodies are put inside the coffins, they are brought to the cliffs and are kept near the coffins of their ancestors. Make sure that you have a guide, as the roads are often difficult to traverse. Tourists have also taken some of the remains as souvenirs.

source: sagada-igorot.com, asiarooms.com

The Funeral costs

The funeral costs vary greatly from one funeral director to another. Because it is always good for multiple quotes to compare costs and funeral services. In general, funeral directors can price all the costs. Make funeral arrangements, a complex mixture of emotions for most of us. Many funeral directors or funeral directors in the way you can tell a perfectly legitimate buried in many options by prices.

Deeper Down Deeper in Debt - Funerals
By Kacy Carr

The last goodbye at a funeral leaves you reminiscing about the good times, also leaving a trail of fond memories of the dearly departed. But after a funeral you find that it can also leave a huge debt hanging over your head.


Photo: Chuckumentary

The cost to bury a loved one can run into the thousands for a decent burial? What is a decent burial? What is the difference between decent and not so decent? The mind boggles.

For that extra few bob does the coffin of the decent funeral have a more highly polished finish. Does the deceased have more words said at the service? Well let me tell you a little secret. Blurred vision/bloodshot eyes hamper the sight of the congregation, with all the crying it is hard to focus on any casket.

Words spoken at the mass are rarely heard. Too many other thoughts overpower the emotional sentiments, and one is worry on how the bill is going to be paid. This is not the day for extravagance; imagine going to the theatre to watch a show but the curtains never open, so what is the point for all that expense.

Decent and the not so decent goodbye
Mourners are there to share in your sorrow not to pass judgment on how many brass handles surround the coffin or what hymns are sung.

With not knowing the mechanics behind a funeral, many families find themselves in a financial situation where they are faced with the heartache of trying to make ends meet.

In their time of grief, the best of everything is chosen for their dearly departed which comes at a price that seems affordable at the time, till reality sets in where the departed was the breadwinner.

Life insurance is a necessity while in the land of the living; it can help lighten the load for those left behind after a bereavement

Unfortunately we have all experienced a loss at some time in our lives but should you be unfortunate enough at this present time be going through the experience of losing someone you love, why not call a friend or member of the family to act on your behalf in arranging the funeral? This will be less of a burden for you to cope with, while you adapt yourself in coming to terms with the death

Consider cutting funeral costs by

Less brass/save cash

Have the service shortened.

Funeral cars settle for 1, the hearse.

A family get together at the house, no big wake.

A small posy says farewell just the same as any wreath.

It is how you say goodbye that matters, silent thoughts and memories can give the dearly departed the best send off ever.

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