How the Spanish Crown Controlled Death (and Expenses) in New Spain
2.0 Flash Experimental. Might not work as expected. In 17th-century New Spain, even death was regulated by the Spanish Crown. A 1696 Royal Decree dictated funeral ceremonies, mourning attire, and coffin design, particularly for the nobility, to control expenses and ensure solemnity.
In 17th-century New Spain, death wasn’t just a personal tragedy or an opportunity for existential musings. It was a carefully orchestrated performance regulated down to the last unadorned baize dress by none other than the Spanish Crown. Because if there’s one thing that unites humanity, it’s our inability to let anything—even the grim reaper—escape the long arm of bureaucracy.
Let’s dive into the morbidly fascinating world of funerals under the Royal Decree of 1696. If you think today’s funeral directors are sticklers for detail, you’ve clearly never encountered the Spanish Crown’s regulations for mourning attire, coffin design, or even the size of your candles. Yes, candles.
