Question

how does Hispanic heritage deal with death : 1-who attends the dying 2- what happens to the body.3- what survivors thing happened to the person that died?

Answer 1

Hispanic Culture of Death and Dying

The traditional Hispanic culture of death and dying reflects their values, religious faith and their high regard for families. There are various Hispanic death rituals and ceremonies to honor the deceased that are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and still practiced today.

1.family members, visitor,Relatives ,friends and Priest

2.

Following the funeral ceremony, the burial takes place, with family and friends at the cemetery for the internment. Many times a Priest is also present and music, including live mariachis, play by the gravesite. Afterward, family members may get together to share a meal, pray and discuss memories of the loved one.

Mainly because of the Catholic influence, cremation is still not as usual for most Hispanics, but those that select it, often place or bury the cremated remains at a cemetery or church to follow the Vatican’s guidelines on the conservation of the ashes.

In some cases, Hispanics wish to be returned to their homeland to be buried with other members of the family.

After the burial

For Hispanics, celebrating and honoring the loved ones continues way after the funeral is over, examples include:

• Novenarios – For nine consecutive days following the funeral, family and friends pray for the soul and eternal rest of the loved one. This can take place at a church or at the family’s home.
• Anniversary of death – Usually a Mass is set up on the anniversary date of the death in the name of the loved one. Sometimes, there is a reception with food afterward.
• Special Days – Within the Hispanic culture, death is revered and holidays are set aside as to pay special respect to the dead. Celebrations often depend on the country of origin.
• All Souls Day (November 1^st) – Families pray, remember loved ones, attend Mass and visit the cemetery to spruce up their loved one’s memorials
• Día de los Muertos (November 2^nd) – Families make altars honoring their loved ones, visit the cemetery with flowers, food, music to celebrate those that have departed.

3.A Catholic, on his or her deathbed, is given last rites by a priest and is anointed with holy oil for this purpose. The priest hears the dying person's confession and offers absolution. The patient, when able, receives Communion and a blessing from the priest.