The bodies of servants were, as stated earlier, buried with the Inca and his queen so they could continue to live forever along with the royals. (Heany, Smithsonian). The Tainos and the Aztecs, however, believed that by consuming the body of a dead person, one could absorb their positive attributes such as courage, or honor. The Tainos would ground the bones of their dead into a drink that would be consumed by a living participant. They believed this would pass on the spiritual essence left behind when the person’s o’pa left to move onto Coyaba. (The Bat and the Guava) The Aztecs, too, participated in cannibalism. After their hundreds of sacrificial victims had their hearts ripped out the limbs would be torn off and given to the people to be cannibalized. Since those who were sacrificed were believed to be sacred, the Aztecs believed by eating their bodies, they would receive blessings and absorb the power of the gods (Human Sacrifices and Cannibalism in the Aztec People.)
It was this belief that helped these people to transition into a new era when the Europeans arrived.
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A Mexican funeral is a massive event. A large service is held in a Cathedral to honor the recently deceased, and is heavily attended by all who knew him. A priest overseas the entire ceremony. Candles and herds are burned around the body, as family members and friends come to pay their final respects. (Mexican American Funeral Customs.) People of all ages attend all events regarding death, including very young. Children are incorporated into all aspects of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, playing an intricate role in the festivities. From an early age Mexicans learn to not fear death, but to view it as an important part of the human heritage. Young males wear teachers proclaiming their lack of fear in the face of death (Mexico and Death, Modern and Ancient