PSY-290
Reflection
Chamberlain University
PSY290
Introduction
The topic of death scares a lot of people and no one plans for it, but we all know it is
coming. Death is scary because off all the unknowns that comes with it. Death also comes in
many ways and how it affects our families. We experience death throughout our life in many
ways. We mourn in different ways.
Cultural Views
I’m Mexican American and my cultural heritage view on death, is we prefer to be buried
over cremated because we believe in an afterlife. Families like to have a place to visit their loved
ones on celebrations like Día de Muertos (Mexican Funeral Traditions, 2020). After death, we
have a tradition of celebrating life by staying up for 24 hours after the death, eating, drinking,
reminiscing on the memories. During this time, anyone can visit the family and bring gifts, such
as food. Growing up, my family was considered wealthy in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, when
my grandfather passed away, many people stopped to pay their respects to him. Due to him being
very well respected and loved, the visitors would bring offerings, like a cow or goat. These types
of items were very “expensive” and not everyone was able to offer something so big. Brining a
cow or goat, represents respect and the widow would be taken care of.