In Hallstatt, Austria, what happens to the body after 12 years in the cemetery?

In Hallstatt, Austria, once a body has been in the cemetery for approximately 12 years, it undergoes a specific process. After this period, the remains are typically exhumed from their burial site. The practice is rooted in the unique cultural and historical context of the area, where space in the graveyard is limited. Upon exhumation, the bones are usually cleaned and then placed into an ossuary, which is a container or room for the bones of dead people. This practice reflects the community's approach to managing the physical limitations of burial space while also honoring the deceased. Thus, exhumation and subsequent handling of the remains is a significant cultural ritual, emphasizing both respect for the dead and practical considerations regarding land use.