Mexicans have numerous exciting rituals! Washing the bones of the dead is one of them. Let's see what kind of ritual this is and why the Mexicans do it.

Traditionally, Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead - a vacation devoted to the memory of the dead, which takes place annually on November 1 and 2. According to legend, the souls of departed relatives visit their homes these days. In Mexico City and other major megalopolises, residents take zombie, and demon costumes out of their closets and take them to the main thoroughfares. The action takes place with cheerful music and dancing. Also, specifically for the festivity, Mexicans make life-size dollies and organize theatrical performances. 

On this day, people visit cemeteries to communicate with the souls of the dead, make stages with photos and bones on the graves, and bring the favorite drinks and food of the dead. All this is done to encourage the departed soul to visit the living. Also worth noting is that fests take on a cheerful coloring when cousins of the deceased recall funny stories from his life.

However, vacation processions are only part of the festivity. Also in Mexico on the Day of the Dead, there are unusual, and occasionally creepy traditions! The residents of the city of Pouch, the descendants of the Mayan Indians, take out the bones of their departed relatives before the holiday and wash them. This ritual is performed on remains that are at least three times old. They're removed, cleaned of dust, washed, and laid on specially embroidered bedspreads. Mexicans spend about a day on this ritual, and also they put the bones in special rustic boxes and carry them to the cemetery. The descendants of the Maya place the bones on the balcony, wrapped in towels, along with burial food and candles. They believe that in this way their deceased relatives will feel watched for and get peace. Such amazing traditions exist in some countries! So if you like exotic, then welcome to Mexico!