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The Tzotzil people in San Juan Chamula, Mexico, include Coca-Cola in their shamanic healing rituals, believing that the burps caused by carbonation expel evil spirits and disease. The World Burping Federation hosts global burping competitions, and the record for the longest burp is one minute 13 seconds.
While shamanic practices vary greatly between cultures, one of the most unique traditions has to be found in San Juan Chamula, Mexico. The Tzotzil, a local indigenous people, often drink Coca-Cola or other carbonated beverages in the belief that the burps caused by carbonation help expel evil spirits and disease. Some shamans of the area include the consumption of Coca-Cola in their healing rituals. It’s not clear where this belief comes from, but one theory centers around the relief that soda can provide for an upset stomach. Burping is a very visible and immediate side effect, so when the sick person burps and feels better, the caregiver may have attributed the end of the disease to the burping itself. Or, as Shrek the animated ogre would say, “Better out than in.”
Interesting facts about burping:
The World Burping Federation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, hosts global burping competitions. Categories include “loudest burp” and “longest lasting burp.”
According to Guinness World Records, the record holder for the longest burp is Italian Michele Forgione, whose record duration of one minute 13 seconds has been standing since 2009.
As it turns out, 2009 was a good year to burp. Paul Hunn of the UK burped at 109.9 decibels, setting another world record.
