So, Why Do People Carry Hair, Bones, or Clothing of the Dead Back Home? Part 2

james eddy May 15, 2025

645 Comments

After this strange and unsettling experience i had to ask. I spoke to my dad and read up on it. What I learned opened my eyes. What I discovered was enlightening. In numerous African burial customs, particularly among indigenous groups, the exact location of one’s burial is of utmost importance. Being laid to rest in one’s ancestral homeland enables a profound connection between spirit and place, a continuity that ensures spiritual peace for both the living and the dead. When someone passes far from home, the act of carrying a symbolic part of them back hair, nails, bones, or a scrap of cloth becomes a means of returning their spirit to the homeland they can no longer inhabit.

It’s believed that incomplete burial rites, or leaving a soul unsettled, can result in misfortune: illness, accidents, unexplained family issues, or spiritual unrest.
Some even say the dead may become restless or keep visiting the living in dreams or through symbolic events accidents, power outages, strange occurrences until they’re put to rest.
I was even told in some traditions, spiritualists are consulted when accidents or repeated misfortunes occur, and they often trace it back to unresolved death or burial issues.

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Self-Care for a Healthy Life and Longevity:

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves consumed by responsibilities, deadlines, and the demands of daily life. It’s easy to neglect the one person who deserves our utmost care and attention, ourselves. The truth is, nurturing yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for living a long, healthy life. Self-care is the foundation of longevity, and by making time for it, we improve not only our physical well-being but also our mental and emotional health.

The connection between self-care and longevity is undeniable. Numerous studies have shown that people who take care of themselves through proper diet, regular exercise, stress management, and mental wellness live longer, healthier lives. When we nurture ourselves, we fuel our bodies and minds with what they need to function optimally. Neglecting this can lead to burnout, chronic illnesses, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan.

Self-care is not just about indulging in spa days or taking vacations, although those can certainly help! It’s about adopting a lifestyle that promotes balance, health, and happiness on a daily basis. Here’s how you can cultivate self-care practices that can boost your longevity.

james eddy September 18, 2024

269 Comments

Unspoken Narratives

Grief is, like, this really tough path that no one ever quite gets you ready for. It sneaks into your life, shakes everything up in a way that’s almost unbearable, and leaves you with these big questions that might never get answered. My story, much like so many others out there, is filled with deep loss and sorrow but also eventually a kind of healing.

So recently I put my personal journey out there on LinkedIn during a chat with Margaret Martinez. This conversation opened up some pretty raw wounds but also helped me see how powerful vulnerability and community can be when it comes to healing. Today, I want to share this part of my life through Secret Memoir not just as someone who started a mental health community but as someone who has walked through some seriously dark times and found just a bit of light.

Matilda Ackumey September 13, 2024

274 Comments

Africa’s Mental Health Crisis

Africa is facing a growing mental health crisis, with millions struggling in silence due to stigma, lack of resources and inadequate mental health infrastructure.

On any given day in Ghana, around 8500 people experience mental health disorders, yet it remains one of the most neglected areas of healthcare. With a population of over 32 million people, Ghana has seen remarkable strides in various sectors, but mental health remains a critical challenge.

Traditionally, mental illness was often misunderstood and attributed to spiritual or supernatural causes. People with mental health conditions were sometimes viewed as possessed or cursed, leading to their marginalization and mistreatment.

Matilda Ackumey August 12, 2024

227 Comments

Why Do People Carry Parts of the Dead Like Hair, Clothing, or Bones Back Home to Bury? Part 1

What compels people to bring parts of the dead hair, clothing, bones home for burial? In April, I went up north to Bolga for my…

james eddy May 15, 2025

149 Comments

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to Secret Memoir a unique platform designed to be your sanctuary for sharing personal stories anonymously. Whether you have a story you have never told or thoughts you need to express, Secret Memoir is here for you.

Our mission is simple, to provide a safe, anonymous space for people to get things off their chests, read the hidden stories of others, and connect with a compassionate community.

We understand that opening sometimes can be challenging. Our Community creates a space where honesty and healing can thrive.

Matilda Ackumey June 1, 2024

233 Comments