Mexican Beliefs
Learn more about the historic religious beliefs and worship of Mexico.
Indigenous Faiths of Mexico
The majority religion of Mexico is Catholicism, introduced in its colonial era by the Spanish. Before their arrival, the region was home to many faiths spread over thousands of years. Mesoamerican religions tended to share several qualities. Among these were a complex cosmology, advanced astronomy, and belief in a vital animating force. That force, which marked an object as divine, also applied to non-living things like the wind, fire, and calendars. Many of these civilizations built pyramid temples as religious centers. Another shared custom was ritual sacrifice. The Olmecs are thought to have begun the practice around 3,000 years ago. Human and animal sacrifice was seen as a sign of respect to the gods. Toward the end of indigenous rule in Mexico, both prisoners and Aztec citizens were offered. By giving their blood freely, people hoped to repay the gods for their gifts and atone for various sins.
Catholicism in Mexico
Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes landed near modern Cancun in 1519. Zealous Catholics, they landed with a Catholic priest in tow. The conquistadors were horrified to observe acts of human sacrifice among native peoples. After the fall of the Aztec Empire, missionaries began converting local populations en masse. Converting provided a social advantage in New Spain, especially among the old Aztec aristocracy. Missionaries learned native languages and built their missions with native worship in mind. Outdoor sermons and prayer were common. Some of the new churches were even built on top of pyramids. Friars and nuns opened schools and hospitals in many areas. An early miracle involving the Virgin Mary cemented her beloved status in Mexico. While Europe struggled through its Reformation, the people of Mexico embraced the Catholic Church within decades.
Modern Worship in Mexico
The Catholic Church soon became a powerful force in the state of Mexico. The Church owned extensive property, oversaw education, and kept records in place of the state. Liberal reforms attempted to curb its power in the mid-19th century. They met with mixed results. The Church became a wedge issue, particularly during Mexico’s socialist era. The Catholic Church gained and lost power in the country up to the modern day. Today, 82.7 percent of Mexico’s population practice Roman Catholicism. The next highest religious affiliation is ‘none’ at 4.7 percent.
References
Aguilar-Moreno, Manuel. Handbook to Life in the Aztec World. Oxford University Press. 2006.
Beezley, William. The Oxford History of Mexico. Oxford University Press. 2010.
Foster, Lynn. Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World. Oxford University Press. 2002.
Koch, Peter. The Aztecs, the Conquistadors, and the Making of Mexican Culture. McFarland & Co. 2006.
Long-Solis, Janet and Luis Alberto Vargas. Food Culture in Mexico. Greenwood Press. 2005.
Ruiz, Ramon Eduardo. Triumphs and Tragedy: A History of the Mexican People. W. W. Norton & Company. 1993.
“The World Factbook: Mexico.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 7 June 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html.
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