First Communion Suits: Mexico


Figure 1.--This Mexican boy was photographed in his Forst Communion suit in 1969. Note the white gloves and bow tie.

Mexico like many Catholic countries places considerable emphasis on First Communion. The role of the Church in Mexico is different than in many other Spanish-speaking countries. The Church as in most of Latin America supported the conservative land-holding elite, but these consevative elements were defeated in the Revolution. As a result, there is a strict division between church and state in Mexico. Unlike some countries, there is no Catlolic access to state schools. Forst Comminion is organized through the Church alone. There are also social class destinctions. Middle class boys are much more likely to have an elaborate First Communion celebration and a Firsr Communion suit. At this time we have very little information about First Communion in Mexico.

The Mexican Church

Mexico like many Catholic countries places considerable emphasis on First Communion. The role of the Church in Mexico is different than in many other Spanish-speaking countries. The Church as in most of Latin America supported the conservative land-holding elite, but these consevative elements were defeated in the Revolution. As a result, there is a strict division between church and state in Mexico.

Schools

Unlike some countries, there is no Catlolic access to state schools. Forst Comminion is organized through the Church alone.

Social Class

There are also social class destinctions. Middle class families are much more likely to be observant Catholics than pooer families. The reason for this is involved, but surely must relate to the conservative traditions of the Church in Mexico. Middle class boys are much more likely to have an elaborate First Communion celebration and a Firsr Communion suit.

The Experience


First Communion Suits

HBC has very limited information about first communion suits in Mexico. The only image we have shows a boy in 1956 wearing a dark long pants suit.

Personal Experiences

We do not have very many individual accounts of Mexican First Communions. We do note what appears to be an unidentified Mexican Native American boy doing his First Communion, we think in the late 19th century.







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Created: September 26, 2001
Last edited: 4:53 AM 5/31/2007