Mourning+Traditions

=Mourning Traditions=



-Spanish traditions are closely linked to Catholicism as the majority of the Spanish population is Catholic

Pre-Funeral

 * A family member will be elected to stay with the body of the deceased until it is buried to make sure they receive proper treatment
 * When the body is prepared for burial, a "wake" is held, in which the family of the deceased sits with the body until the burial and say prayers for the deceased; it is supposed to be a very social and joyous event that celebrates the life of the deceased
 * Candles and flowers are used to decorate

Funeral

 * Funeral immediately follows wake
 * A priest or clergyman usually presides over the ceremony
 * Personal items of the deceased are placed within the casket as well as one big present from mourners; the items are said to go with the deceased in the afterlife

Post-Funeral

 * A supper and reception is held; people laugh, eat, and comfort each other
 * Mourners often visit/tend to the gravesite
 * It is believed that the dead live on in the spirit world, so mourners will talk to them, pray for them and turn to them for advice and support