Holding Space
How the World Says Goodbye
These rituals are meant to inspire curiosity and connection. They’re not prescriptive or meant as medical advice. Every culture grieves differently —
and that’s kind of the point.
Instructions
Click on a pin to explore traditions — real and fictional — from around the globe. Some are sacred, some are celebratory, and some are just beautifully strange.
Michelle Tompkins
Holding Space Founder
My Story
While I’ve only been a grief expert for the last decade, I’ve always been fascinated by death rituals — from Ripley’s Believe It or Not to obscure anthropological series and taboo traditions. This map is a way to share that wonder — exploring the weird, the wistful, and the wonderful ways people say goodbye.
Your Turn: Share Your Tradition
Have a unique way your family honors the dead? A story, a ritual, or even something you’ve created that you hope others will repeat? Drop us an email— grief can be personal, but it can also be shared.