The Navajo tribe that lives in various parts of the USA has many different death rites; some of which are still performed today.
Do you know: The Navajo people consider the sound of an owl hooting or coyote howling as a sign of impending death or evil.
After a person has passed away, the Navajo people never completely close the coffin, so as to let the spirit be released. Also, the area around where the grave is dug must be clear of footprints so that the spirit guide may not take the wrong spirit. In the past, the deceased was put on a tree some distance away from the village.
