The act of burial is not just about placing a body in the ground; it’s often a highly personalized ceremony that reflects an individual’s life, beliefs, and even eccentricities. Across cultures and eras, people have chosen to be buried with items that hold significance, power, or even a touch of whimsy. Some items are chosen for protection, others for companionship, and a few even to fulfill their final wishes. Here are ten of the strangest items people have been buried with, along with the stories or superstitions that inspired these unique choices.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
For those who live for the thrill of the ride, a Harley-Davidson isn’t just a bike—it’s a lifestyle. Such was the case for Bill Standley of Ohio, who spent years planning his unconventional burial. Rather than a traditional coffin, Standley’s final resting place was a plexiglass casket built to hold him astride his 1967 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. His family honored his wish to ride forever by having him interred sitting upright on his motorcycle, wearing his signature leather jacket and helmet. His grave became a roadside attraction, symbolizing the unbreakable bond he shared with his beloved bike and his adventurous spirit.
Pharaohs Buried with Servants and Pets
Ancient Egyptians believed in an elaborate afterlife where the dead would need food, servants, and even pets. Pharaohs, in particular, were often buried with mummified animals and servants who were believed to accompany them to the afterlife, ensuring their needs were met and that they could rule again in the next world. Archaeologists have uncovered graves where entire entourages were buried alongside pharaohs, including beloved dogs, cats, and even monkeys. This practice, while cruel by today’s standards, was rooted in a deep belief in an eternal existence that closely mirrored life on Earth.
Phone for the Afterlife
With today’s reliance on mobile phones, some people dread being disconnected, even in death. In South Africa, a woman named Jacqui Kotze was famously buried with her cell phone, complete with instructions to be “available” for her family to call her posthumously. This desire wasn’t merely sentimental—her family believed it could help her communicate from the beyond. Similar stories have been reported elsewhere, as families hope that a phone could be a lifeline to reach their loved one in the spiritual realm. While no calls have been reported from the other side, it remains a fascinating modern twist on traditional burial customs.
Fully Stocked Mini Bar
In Sweden, a wealthy businessman named Percy Ross was so attached to his luxury lifestyle that he arranged to be buried with his favorite vices—namely, a fully stocked mini bar. Ross reportedly insisted on including a set of his favorite drinks and fine cigars, ensuring he wouldn’t be without his usual comforts in the afterlife. Although the mini bar’s contents weren’t likely preserved, Ross’s burial highlights the humorous side of planning for eternity, suggesting he had no intention of letting his afterlife be any less lavish than his earthly life.
Packs of Cigarettes
Smoking can be a hard habit to kick, and for some, the attachment to their cigarettes carries over to the grave. A man in Greece named Costas demanded to be buried with a carton of his favorite cigarettes, along with a lighter, just in case he needed a smoke in the afterlife. It’s a superstition tied to the idea of “carrying on” with familiar habits, ensuring that the deceased has the essentials for what comes next. In some cases, friends and family place cigarettes in the casket as a token of respect, especially if the person was known for their smoking habit.
A Working Car in the Grave
Some people choose to take their car with them—literally. In the 1980s, Sandra West, a Texan socialite, was famously buried in her 1964 Ferrari, following her specific request to be interred “in a comfortable position in my Ferrari with the seat slanted comfortably.” She was laid to rest in a concrete-lined grave, with the car encased in cement to prevent looting. Her burial illustrates how people’s attachments to prized possessions, especially cars, extend beyond life. West’s funeral became legendary, and her grave remains one of the most famous car-related burials to date.
Spoons to Ward Off Evil Spirits
In Eastern European folklore, it’s common to bury the dead with certain charms to ward off evil spirits. Spoons have often been included in burials in this region, thought to protect the deceased from malevolent forces. In some superstitions, a spoon symbolizes the continuation of communal meals in the afterlife, ensuring the deceased is protected and fed. In other cases, silver spoons were believed to guard against werewolves and vampires, adding an extra layer of safety for the departed’s journey.
Stradivarius Violin
A Stradivarius is one of the most valuable and coveted violins in the world, and a musician being buried with one is a testament to their profound dedication. When virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini passed away in 1840, his family chose to bury him with his prized Stradivarius, a decision that led to controversy and debate. The violin, though highly valuable, was buried as a symbol of Paganini’s passion for music. This choice reflects how artists and musicians often identify so deeply with their instruments that they can’t imagine parting with them, even in death.
Stash of Rare Gold Coins
For centuries, people believed that wealth could accompany them into the afterlife. In ancient Greece, it was common practice to place coins in the mouth of the deceased as payment for Charon, the ferryman who would carry souls across the River Styx. In a more modern example, wealthy individuals have been buried with significant gold stashes, rare coins, or valuable jewels. In some instances, coins were believed to serve as both currency and protection, ensuring a safe journey and deterring any malevolent spirits that might seek to cause trouble.
Jet Ski and Other Extreme Items
In Australia, a man was buried with his jet ski, honoring his lifelong love for extreme sports and water adventures. Friends and family remembered him as a thrill-seeker, and his unusual burial request was a tribute to his energetic personality. His loved ones went to great lengths to ensure his wishes were respected, encasing his favorite jet ski with him in a specially designed tomb. This choice highlights how the items people are buried with can reflect their passions and personalities, leaving a lasting impression on those who remember them.
