Vocabulary
What is day of the dead in Spanish?
Día de Muertos
what is el cementerio/el panteón?
cemetery
what is el altar
altar
who was the most power full empire when the Spanish arrived
aztec
Accordions are played as part of Mexico's
folk music
what is el pan de muertos?
bread of the dead
what is la calavera
skull
what is la vela
candle; placed on altar to help mark the route and guide souls to their respective homes
The Aztecs believed that when people died?
their spirits went on to an afterlife
what is one of the most important parts of day of the dead
the ofrenda
what is el copal?
resin used as incense- placed on altar to help guide spirits home
What is el esqueleto
skeleton
what is el papel picado
perforated paper; traditionally made using a pattern and chisel to cut out designs
how long do spirits travel in the underworld
4 years
what else is Cempasuchil flowers are called
“Flowers of the Dead.”
What is el atole
hot Mexican drink made with cornstarch and used to nourish and warm the spirits when they return or leave
el cempasuchil
flower (marigold) whose scent is said to guide the spirits home during Day of the Dead
what is los angelitos
little angels; a reference to children who have died and who are honored by their families during this holiday celebration
Accordions are played as part of Mexico's
folk music
what do people believe their sprites do during day of the dead
travel to living world
What is el mole?
spicy chocolate sauce, served over meat; another variation of this sauce is yellow
What is la ofrenda
offering
what is las calaveras de azúcar
sugar skulls; made to honor a loved one who is celebrated during Día de Muertos; often placed on the altar as part of "la ofrenda" (the offering)
Chocolate is a favorite
Day of the Dead treat.
Food is an important part of Day of the Dead celebrations.
Homes fill with the smell of chocolate, chilies, and spices