Mourning Becomes Shorter

In old Bogota, the customs of mourning were ironbound. Even within the last 20 years, mourning still meant black garments, closed doors, no music, no parties, no entertainment. This mode of life lasted for five years after the death of a spouse, parent or child; three years and six months for a grandparent, brother or sister; two years for a cousin, aunt or uncle.

But times have been changing in the misty capital. Spanish custom has been modified by the influence of the amiable French and the brisk North Americans. Now Colombian Essayist Camilo Pardo Umana has suggested a revised Code of Mourning for 1950:

"Dress: For deceased parents, three months of rigorous mourning. For grandparents, children, brothers & sisters, two months of black dress. For uncles, aunts and cousins, black tie for nine days is enough.

"Diversions: In all cases, persons in mourning may do as they please after the first nine days.

"Weeping: It is well for a man to cry, discreetly, when he loses a loved one. But women should not cry at all, for after even a few little tears they all look ghastly."

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