the Southeast as early as 1513 and were present in the Southwest and present-day California by 1769. The richness of the Hispanic culture flows in large part from the blend of the Spanish and indigenous Americans, resulting in an Amerindian population in Latin America of 49 million. Roughly 24 million people in Mexico are Amerindian.


The term “Hispanic” was created by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1970 as an ethnic cat- egory for persons who identify themselves as being of Spanish origin. Unlike other Census Bureau designations, “Hispanic” denotes neither race nor color, and a Hispanic person may be White, Black, or American Indian. This classification includes people of many dif- ferent origins and cultures due to the different patterns of interactions among Spanish set- tlers, indigenous Indian populations, and imported African slaves across the many Latin American countries. Although the term is widely used by Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike, many members of the Hispanic population prefer the term “Latino.”


“Hispanic” denotes neither race nor color, and a Hispanic person may be White, Black, or American Indian. This classification includes people of many different origins and cultures due to the different patterns of interactions among Spanish settlers, indigenous Indian populations, and imported African slaves across the many Latin American countries.


Hispanics/Latinos identify as a “culture of many nations,” with each bringing and retaining the richness of their country of birth. They represent 20 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela.


All Latinos do not speak the Spanish language exactly the same way. There are many Spanish dialects that include unique expressions and idioms. Language differences may be a significant barrier, but can be overcome with fluent, sensitive, and insightful inter- preters. Healthcare providers can not assume that a Latino who speaks English with an accent is a recent immigrant. Many Latinos who speak with an accent were born in this country and can trace their North American history and heritage back centuries. Finally, providers should be mindful that some third- or fourth-generation Latinos might not speak the Spanish language at all.


Cultural customs and traditions related to grief and loss vary. There is no single way that Latinos grieve the loss of a loved one or respond to any of life’s circumstances. This brief section simply provides an introduction to some of the more common customs.


General bereavement customs. Typically, Latinos express their loss by crying openly. Crying is viewed as a healthy and appropriate emotional response. Family and friends will often encourage parents to outwardly express their grief. Another less common expression of grief and loss among some Latino cultures is ataque de nervios (general shaking that is believed to help release the pain of loss). These traditions are very differ- ent from the more stoic Anglo-American customs and some insensitive providers have even interpreted these mourning behaviors as hysterics.


Religion and spirituality are very important to nearly all Latinos. Although a growing number embrace Protestant religious affiliations and a small number are Jewish, most are Catholic. Very few have no faith foundation. Regardless of religion, many Latino


28 VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CROSS CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AT THE LOSS OF AN INFANT


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