The idea of smoked corpses is certainly a macabre one, and it’s not surprising that the thought of it could cause the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up. In many cultures throughout history, smoking the bodies of the dead was a common practice.
One of the most well-known examples of this practice comes from the ancient Egyptians, who believed that preserving the body through mummification was necessary for the afterlife. This involved removing the organs and packing the body with natron, a type of salt, to dry it out. Once the body was dry, it was wrapped in linen bandages and placed in a sarcophagus.
In some other cultures, smoking the bodies of the dead was a way to honor them or to help them on their journey to the afterlife. For example, the Toraja people of Indonesia practice an elaborate funeral ritual that can last for days, during which the body of the deceased is smoked and preserved with formalin. The preserved body is then placed in a special tomb or mausoleum, where it can be visited by family members and loved ones.
Despite the cultural significance of smoking corpses in some parts of the world, the idea can still be unsettling to many people. The sight and smell of a smoked corpse can be particularly disturbing, and it’s not uncommon for people to experience a physical reaction, such as the raising of the hairs on the back of their necks.
In conclusion, the practice of smoking corpses may be a fascinating aspect of cultural history, but it’s also a reminder of our own mortality and the fragility of life. Whether or not the hairs on the back of your neck are raised by the idea, it’s certainly a topic that can evoke strong emotions and reactions in people.