The Most Bizarre (and Fascinating) Rituals and Beliefs from Ancient Cultures

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have created rituals and beliefs to explain the world around them, establish order, and honor their gods. While some of these practices may seem bizarre today, they were considered sacred and essential in ancient societies. Let’s explore some of history’s most curious and fascinating rituals.

1. Self-Mummification of Buddhist Monks (Japan)

In Japan, some monks practiced sokushinbutsu, an extreme ritual of self-mummification to achieve enlightenment. Over several years, they followed a strict diet and consumed natural substances that prevented decomposition after death. Eventually, they entered meditation until their final breath, buried alive in a sealed chamber. Those who did not decay were revered as true Buddhas.

2. Aztec Human Sacrifices (Mexico)

The Aztecs believed the Sun needed human blood to continue its journey across the sky. As a result, they practiced mass human sacrifices, offering prisoners or willing participants to their gods. In certain ceremonies, the victim’s still-beating heart was removed and presented to the god Huitzilopochtli. Though brutal, these rituals were seen as necessary to maintain cosmic balance.

3. The "Sati" Ritual in India

In ancient India, some widows were encouraged to perform sati, a ritual in which they would throw themselves onto their deceased husband's funeral pyre. This act was considered the ultimate demonstration of devotion and honor. Though banned in the 19th century, occasional reports of sati persisted into more recent times.

4. The Festival of the Dead in Madagascar

The Malagasy people have a fascinating ritual called Famadihana, or the "turning of the bones." Every seven years, families exhume their deceased relatives, wrap them in fresh shrouds, and celebrate with feasts, dancing, and music. To them, the connection with ancestors does not end at death, and this ceremony strengthens familial bonds.

5. Sky Burial in Tibet

In Tibet, there is a custom known as sky burial, where deceased bodies are left outdoors to be consumed by vultures. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, this practice sees the body as merely a vessel, and feeding animals symbolizes the natural cycle of renewal.

6. The Viking “Blót” Ritual (Scandinavia)

The Vikings practiced Blót, a ritual of offerings to gods and spirits of nature. In some ceremonies, animals—and sometimes humans—were sacrificed to ensure good harvests, protection in battle, and prosperity. They believed that pleasing the gods would preserve balance and luck.

7. Medieval Europe’s Trial by Drowning

During the Middle Ages, individuals accused of witchcraft were subjected to trial by drowning: they were tied up and thrown into a body of water. If they survived, they were deemed witches and punished; if they drowned, they were considered innocent—but it was too late. This cruel method illustrates how fear and superstition shaped medieval justice.

The rituals and beliefs of ancient cultures reflect their worldview and attempts to understand the unknown. While some of these practices may seem strange today, they made perfect sense to those who performed them. Exploring these traditions helps us appreciate the diversity of human experiences throughout history.