Symbols
Definitions
Las Catrinas
Altars
Vocabulario del Dia de Brujas
100
Bright yellow flowers used to attract the souls back home by their scent. They also represent death.
What are "cempazuchitls"?
100
Offerings to honor the dead.
What are "offrendas"?
100
Where many families keep a night-long vigil, feasting, music, and storytelling.
What is a loved ones' grave sight?
100
The central focus of the alter.
What is a photo of the person?
100
It means "witch" in Spanish.
What is "la bruja"?
200
This whimsical skeleton figure represents death.
What is a "calaca"?
200
Tissue paper with elaborate cut-outs used to decorate the alters set up to honor the dead.
What are "papel picados"?
200
He created the famous etching "La Calavera Catrina."
Who is Jose Guadelupe Posada?
200
Spanish word for candles (another item left at an alter).
What is a "vela"?
200
It means "ghost" in Spanish.
What is "el fantasma"?
300
A traditional bread eaten on Dia de los Muertos decorated with bone-like shapes.
What is "pan de los muertos"?
300
Sugar skulls placed on the home alter or grave stone to honor the return of a spirit.
What are "calaveras"?
300
It is the item worn by La Catrina Calavera.
What is a large hat?
300
Used to cleanse and purify the souls of the deceased.
What is water and salt?
300
It means "costume" in Spanish.
What is "el disfraz"?
400
Where many families keep a night long vigil, feasting, music, and storytelling.
What is a loved one's gravesight?
400
Colorful iced sugar skulls.
What are "alfeniques"?
400
The City where the 50 ft. mural with La Catrina in the center is located.
What is Mexico City?
400
Used to elevate prayers to God.
What are incense?
400
It means "monster" in Spanish.
What is "el monstruo"?
500
They are said to represent the souls of their dead.
What are butterflies?
500
Souls of children that have died.
What are "Angelitos"?
500
It means "a wealthy woman" in Spanish.
What is "la catrina"?
500
Items placed on alters to be used by the deceased when they return from their long journey.
What are toothbrushes, hairbrushes, towels, etc.?
500
It means "haunted house" in Spanish.
What is "la casa encantada"?
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