Layers of Life in Death: Yucatán: Unearth

Burying a loved one in the Yucatan region of Mexico is a unique fusion of Mayan and Catholic traditions. Three or more years after a loved one is unearthed the bones are sifted thru and carefully stacked on a clean white sheet to join the family tomb. The brightly colored tombs are adorned with flowers painted and fresh; candles are lit. Please be warned images contain bones and you may be upset by the content. It is done in beauty, honor, and the upmost respect.

A cemetery worker sifts through the family member's remains to collect the bones after 3 years of being buried in the soil in a thin metal casket that is then burned.

The bones are placed on a white sheet to join the family tomb. Fresh flowers and candles are lit year round and welcomed home for Hanal Pixan (see gallery).

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