Ryukyuan religion
Traditionally, periodic gatherings of the extended family occur at the family "haka", or "tomb" ([[Ryukyuan religion#Religious calendar|v. inf.]] for information concerning the traditional dates of these gatherings). The tombs resemble houses, complete with a courtyard ("naa"), family name markers, and "porch" upon which offerings are arranged. A common tomb style in many areas is the so-called turtle-back tomb ("kamekokata"), whose roof is shaped as the [[carapace]] of a tortoise. These tombs have variously been described as "horseshoe-shaped" or "[[omega]]-shaped" tombs by Westerners, but Okinawans believe they are shaped like a [[Uterus|womb]]; the dead "return to the source". Another very common type is the gable tomb ("hafukokata"), which appears like a small Okinawan house. Though not "haka", the royal tombs of the [[Ryūkyū Kingdom]] are located at [[Tamaudun]].