TWO KINDS OF CEREMONIES TORAJA

In view of their objectives the ceremonies which the Torajanese people hold can be roughly divided into two :

1. Aluk Eambu Solo' or Aluk Rampe Matampu' is performed in the western part of the house during the afternoon before sunset and is specially intended for the burial of the dead
2. Aluk Rambu Tuka or Aluk Rampe Mataallo is mainly aimed at safeguarding human lives. It is carried out in the eastern part of the house before noon and intended to ensure that the soul of the safeguards the lives of his descendants

It is believed that all animals and living things have souls and whatever a person pos be taken with him to the here after life and the souls of the sacrificed animals will join and serve the souls of the dead person. So for each as many animals and things as they can afford. The sacrifice will be gratefully received by the soul and this will ensure that he has sufficient equipment and supplies  for his eternal life.

The souls which receive many sacrifices will become semi god, Tomembali Puang, who will in turn take care of and bless their descendants. All offerings, Pesung Pemala' which ae to be sacrificed should be presented in a ceremony of prayer and magic spells.

Certai rules have to be obeyed and carried out orderly in performing each ceremony.