Mayan & Swedish attitudes and practices toward death

Abstract

This study explores how Mayan people from Guatemala and Swedes view and behave toward death. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis, 10 participants from each culture were interviewed to elucidate the most relevant and important emerging themes. The Mayan approach to death is based on a collective perspective in which consultations with Elders, ancient traditions, and rituals help provide answer to most existential inquiries surrounding death. In contrast, the Swedish approach is based on an individualistic, rational analysis with a focus on life instead of death, but also showing openness to new perspectives on death.