Yanomamo Culture

“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit”. Mexican and Yanomamo cultures have three significant differences. The first difference is marriage and weddings, second, puberty customs and third religious rituals. In the traditional Mexican family, the father has the final say that will allow a couple to date and set a time of the wedding. He must officially “approve” their daughter to marry and be “given in marriage”. Although Mexicans are free to choose their marriage partners. The formal engagement can last several years. In an extended family the grandfather gives approval. The future groom and his family visits the bride’s home to formally ask for her hand in marriage as a sign of respect to couple, and also so the two families …show more content…
The Catholic Church is the dominant religion in Mexico, with the average percentage attending church once per week or more. Large percents support such issue that prohibits divorce and the use of artificial birth control. Mexican Catholics believe in the necessity of sacraments. The use of images, candles, vestments and music are used in worship. The cross is used in various contexts, making the sign of the cross is tied to baptism and each time they make the sign of the cross it is a remembrance that they belong to …show more content…
The Yanomamo believe every creature, rock, tree and mountain has a spirit. Sometimes the belief is that the sprits are malevolent and they attack and cause illness. Although there are many religious ceremonies, females are exclude from involvement or participation, but they play a large part in the preparation. In preparation for large ceremonies, Yanomamo women make vast amounts of food and alcoholic drinks for the men. The use of hallucinogenic drugs is very common. However women are forbidden from involving themselves in this practice. The women do, however, participate in the practice of endocannibalism. Endocannibalism is the practice of eating the flesh of a human being from the same community, tribe, social group or society, usually after they have death. In this practice, the Yanomamo people consume the bones of a deceased kinsman. The body is burned, and the bones mixed with food. This tradition is meant to strengthen the Yanomamo people and keep the spirit of that individual alive.
In conclusion, the Mexican and Yanomamo cultures, has overwhelming the differences. The belief system of the Mexican and Yanomamo culture is the reason for the overwhelming difference in their cultures. Their belief systems form their perception of marriage and weddings, coming of age and religious rituals.
We are reminded that every culture has a unique characteristic and lifestyle.