Grief can be a complex journey, but it doesn’t have to be one walked alone. Many cultures around the world have beautiful traditions for honoring the dead and finding joy in remembrance.

This post explores eight unique customs, from the lively music of New Orleans Jazz Funerals to the celebratory spirit of Ghana’s Fantasy Coffins. Each tradition offers a different perspective on death and grief, reminding us that we can celebrate a life well-lived while finding solace in community.

Savannah, Georgia, was the perfect place to kick off my joy-urney. This charming city, often referred to as “Slow-vana,” embodies the spirit of slowing down and savoring life’s simple pleasures.

The 13th-century poet Rumi offers profound insights into the nature of joy. Here are seven of his powerful quotes that invite us to contemplate whether joy is a choice.