Introduction
Death is a universal phenomenon that affects everyone, yet every culture has its own unique way of dealing with it, and Mexico is no exception!
One of the biggest elements that distinguishes the relationship between Mexicans and death is that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as a natural part of life. And explaining exactly how Mexican culture relates to death can otherwise be a very complicated task given that Mexico is extremely culturally diverse.
In this article, we will go through the 5 things you need to know about Mexican culture and their relationship with death and how Mexicans care for the dead. We will also take a look at funeral etiquette and how to act at a Mexican funeral so that if you ever find yourself in that situation, you can properly care for your friends going through a loss.
So let's dive into the colorful and surprisingly upbeat world of Mexican culture around death!
Mexican Culture & Death
Mexican culture has always had a unique relationship with death. While many cultures fear and mourn it, Mexican people celebrate it as a natural part of life!
And this is true in almost all Mexican understandings about death, from Santa Muerte to the Catholic understanding of eternal light. However, given its enormously diverse cultural background there are a few perspectives we need to understand.
Here are the 4 things you need to know about Mexican culture and their relationship with death!
1. The Idea of Eternal Afterlife and Guardianship
The idea of an eternal afterlife and the belief that your deceased loved ones are still watching over you is something that almost all Mexicans believe. Whether we are talking about the prehispanic notion of Xibalba, La Santa Muerte, Catholicism, or the indigenous beliefs in reincarnation, all religions and spiritual paths point towards life after death.
It’s no surprise that Mexican culture is so colorful and upbeat about death if they feel like life is only the waiting room before the real experience that is "being" as a verb. Be it, reincarnated into a wolf or in heaven; the belief is that this is only the first chapter.
It is unquestionable that Mexicans believe that the dead should be remembered fondly and celebrated annually. This is largely due to the emotional bonds that they have with their deceased and the huge admiration and respect their people show each other.
For example, the Day of the Dead is one such celebration where families come together to remember their loved ones who have passed away. The idea is that they can come back and visit you to see how you are doing. And a way to honor that is to build them an altar with all their favorite drinks and snacks, pictures, and remembrances of what their life once was.
It is celebrations like these that give the Mexican people hope that somewhere out there, their loved one is still with them somehow. Whether it’s feeling like a bird is your deceased father or that your mom has literal angel wings, there is a definite magical power that comes with the amount of faith that Mexicans have in permanence and the idea of never-ending bonds.
2. The Responsibility of Caring for the Dead
Since there is such a belief in the eternal soul and the afterlife in Mexican culture, caring for the dead in Mexico is seen not only as an emotional process, but also as an important responsibility. Families will often go above and beyond to ensure their loved ones receive proper burial rites, which in most traditions consist of various days or even weeks of events.
Let’s take Catholic traditions as an example. But before diving into the traditions, it’s important to first understand that Mexican people have a very extreme devotion to the Catholic Church, which is understood as the biggest responsibility in most traditional homes.
With this in mind, the traditional Catholic burial procedure starts with what is called the "velorio", a word that comes from the verb "velar", which means to look after during the night. During this part of the burial process, the family and friends of the deceased stay up all night praying alongside the corpse of the departed.
This is a silent event, and it is frowned upon to be noisy or loud so as to not disregard the family of the deceased. It is also customary to give a wreath of white roses to the family as a symbol of well wishes. After that comes the first of many masses.
The first mass normally has the body of the deceased present. It is carried in and taken out by the closest people to the deceased, and the body is blessed with holy oils as the mass is dedicated in his honor. It is also customary for some family members to say a few words during this mass as a final goodbye to their deceased loved ones.
It isn’t until the third day that the deceased is then cremated or buried in a funeral for close family and friends; this is when the departed is put to rest in either a cemetery or in the crypts of the church, which most have.
After that comes what is called the novenary, which is a series of nine masses in nine days to pray for the eternal rest of the departed. It is customary that during the novenary, families hold silence and wear black or white, depending on their traditions.
During this time, friends and extended family are welcome to join the immediate family in praying the rosary, which is customary in these masses. Once the novenary ends, a yearly mass is held on the anniversary of the departed.
This week-and-a-half-long journey just confirms that caring for the dead is a huge part of Mexican culture and the way they relate to death in general. But let’s get into some of the nitty gritty: the diversity in the understanding of traditional beliefs.
3. The Diversity of Traditional Beliefs
Another thing to take into account is the diversity of traditional beliefs that play a vital role in how Mexicans view death. Many believe that when someone dies, they embark on a journey to another world where they can continue living amongst their ancestors; others believe in reincarnation.
Whatever it may be, the rituals somehow remain the same, saying goodbye is basically equivalent to see you later. The Indigenous cultures that remain in multiple parts of Mexico see death as a rebirth, and unlike Catholic traditions, they choose to make it a party.
The same can be said for Mexican culture in more rural areas because of their contact with nature. Death is such a natural part of life that they decide to honor and celebrate the deaths of their loved ones by drinking in their honor with some music in the background.
Whatever the case may be, Mexico can never be summed up into just one thing. Its very essence is chaotic, and it’s that beautiful chaos that makes it so diverse in its understanding of life and death as a culture. Although that diversity can also invite some oddities that may seem weird to other cultures.
4. The Unusual Traditions That May Arise
It is also traditional to get wasted at some events and to pray for days at others. It just depends on what their understanding of death is and what their traditions say.
There are certain traditions surrounding funerals in Mexico that may seem unusual to outsiders. For example, it is common for mourners to wear white clothing instead of black at funerals.
Respecting cultural customs around death is key when interacting with Mexican communities during times of mourning. It's important not only to show empathy but also to educate yourself on appropriate behavior depending on individual circumstances.
Tips for Attending a Mexican Funeral
Attending a Mexican funeral can be an emotional and overwhelming experience, especially if you are not familiar with the customs and traditions. Here are five tips on how to act respectfully during a Mexican funeral.
1. Dress appropriately
It is important to dress conservatively in dark colors like black or navy blue for both men and women. Avoid wearing bright or flashy clothing, as it may appear disrespectful.
There are some people who prefer everyone to wear white, but if that is the case, they normally notify the attendants given that it isn’t the customary color. Although this tradition is growing by the day.
2. Show respect for the deceased
Mexicans believe that death is a part of life's journey, so it's essential to show respect for the departed by speaking about them only in positive terms. A few other tips are:
- Keep an inside voice.
- Assist the family in any way you can.
- And offer emotional support.
3. Offer condolences.
Express your sincere condolences to the family members and close friends of the deceased either through words or gestures such as offering flowers, candles, or incense sticks. A few phrases you can learn are:
- "Los acompaño en su dolor" | I am with you to help carry your pain.
- "Mi más sentido pésame" | My deepest condolences.
- "Estoy aquí para lo que necesites" | I’m here for you if you need anything.
- "Mis oraciones están contigo y tu familia" | I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Any of these will be greatly appreciated and will be taken to heart by the family going through the loss.
4. Follow religious customs.
Most Mexican funerals have religious undertones where prayers will be recited throughout the service; therefore, pay attention and follow along with any prayers or rituals taking place.
If you don’t know the words however, just take part in silence and accompany them that way. It is best not to interrupt, as it is normally a large group event.
5. Be patient and understanding
Funerals in Mexico tend to be long-lasting events due to extended families coming together from different parts of the country; therefore, patience is vital when waiting for things like service starting times.
Remember that respecting local customs should always take precedence over personal beliefs when attending a foreign funeral ceremony such as this one!
Conclusion
Death is an important aspect of Mexican culture that is celebrated and remembered through various traditions. From caring for the dead to honoring their memories with altars and offerings, Mexicans have a unique way of dealing with death that reflects their strong cultural identity.
If you ever find yourself attending a Mexican funeral or participating in any related ceremonies, it's important to show respect and follow proper etiquette. By being mindful of your behavior and observing local customs, you can pay tribute to the deceased while also gaining a deeper understanding of this rich and vibrant culture.
Remembering our loved ones who have passed away is an essential part of life, no matter where we come from or what beliefs we hold dear.
Whether you're just curious about Mexican traditions regarding death or looking to learn more about other cultures' approaches to mortality, we hope this article has been informative and insightful.
