How Mexico Deals with Death
Have you ever wondered how death is dealt with in a country South of the border? Mexico has many customs and traditions when it comes to death. They have a very unique way in celebrating the belief that life after death exist. Over thousands of people come together each year to show their love for the people they’ve lost. Mexico has a variety of customs and traditions when celebrating death.
“When someone dies in Mexico it is very uncommon for a family to bury the deceased right away. They typically keep them in one of the family members house for up to 48 hours, covering them with a sheet or laying them in a simple coffin” (Watson). During these 2 days, family and friends will come to the house for a …show more content…
“Dia de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community” (National Geographic). Mexicans believe that on October 31st Heaven opens the gates and the deceased have permission to come back to Earth and visit their family and friends. In the homes of the deceased the families will set up Ofrendas to help remember and honor the soul of the deceased so it will be able to visit November 1st-2nd. These Ofrendas will normally contain pictures of the deceased and items like clothing, candles, food, drinks or anything the deceased may have liked. Families do this because it is believed that the scent helps to guide their soul home. The deceased spirits only have 24 hours to come and visit their family so it is very important for families to set up ofrendas because sometimes the spirits may have a hard time finding their way home. Families will also place marigold petals in the shape of a cross in front of the altar, while placing them outside around the house as well. They do this because it is known to help guide the soul to the
Have you ever wondered how death is dealt with in a country South of the border? Mexico has many customs and traditions when it comes to death. They have a very unique way in celebrating the belief that life after death exist. Over thousands of people come together each year to show their love for the people they’ve lost. Mexico has a variety of customs and traditions when celebrating death.
“When someone dies in Mexico it is very uncommon for a family to bury the deceased right away. They typically keep them in one of the family members house for up to 48 hours, covering them with a sheet or laying them in a simple coffin” (Watson). During these 2 days, family and friends will come to the house for a …show more content…
“Dia de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community” (National Geographic). Mexicans believe that on October 31st Heaven opens the gates and the deceased have permission to come back to Earth and visit their family and friends. In the homes of the deceased the families will set up Ofrendas to help remember and honor the soul of the deceased so it will be able to visit November 1st-2nd. These Ofrendas will normally contain pictures of the deceased and items like clothing, candles, food, drinks or anything the deceased may have liked. Families do this because it is believed that the scent helps to guide their soul home. The deceased spirits only have 24 hours to come and visit their family so it is very important for families to set up ofrendas because sometimes the spirits may have a hard time finding their way home. Families will also place marigold petals in the shape of a cross in front of the altar, while placing them outside around the house as well. They do this because it is known to help guide the soul to the