Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Recommendation by Tricia Importante

After an exhausting trek, finally we reached Sagada’s Infamous Cemetery. The Hanging Coffins. For thousands of years, people in Cordillera have practiced the tradition of burying their dead this way. They believed that putting their dead in steep walls made their loved ones nearer to the gods. The dead begin their journey into the afterlife strapped to a wooden chair (Same as the one in the photo). It’s one of the many rituals that’s still being practiced in Sagada to this day. It is also part of their tradition that those who died of illness cannot be placed inside the coffins in fear of bad luck. On the other hand, getting a drop of blood coming from the wrapped corpse is considered good luck.

Lakbay sa Sagada

Iconic Landmark · Cultural · Heavy Walking · Local Experience · Long-standing Classics · Off the Beaten Track · Ultimate Tourist · Casual · Local Treasure · Quintessential · Famous · Historical · Photo Spot · Unique Experience