Vocabulary needed to enjoy the Day of the Dead / 5 minutes of Spanish / English version + Podcast

 

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What is our topic today?

 

As we are in Day of the Dead in this podcast No 168, we are going to talk about the vocabulary related to this day.

 

Click here

I don't want to be negative, but...we already have a podcast about Day of the Dead. Look, it's here.

 

Yes of course, being in Mexico how not to talk about Day of the Dead in 3 years of Podcasts, But today we are going to talk about the vocabulary needed to enjoy this holiday more.

 

Of course, because it is celebrated all over Mexico and in cities where Mexicans live, it is a heartfelt, interesting and very colorful tradition.

 

It is a belief that comes from the pre-Hispanic world and joined with the Catholic religion of the Spaniards. It is thought that on these days (in fact, there are four) the dead visit the earth and for that his family makes an altar in honor of the dead.

 

What is on the altar?

 

The photo of the dead person or persons for whom the altar is made. The food and hobbies they enjoyed. Water and salt.

 

Salt is a symbol of purification, as in other cultures. But there is one flower that is characteristic.

 

Yes, the cempasúchil o marigold flower in English. This flower adorns the altar because its aroma attracts the dead and its color guides them. That is why a path is made with the flowers.

 

Do we need more elements on the altar?

 

Yes, the cross, a clear Catholic influence, the candles, some sugar skulls, the chopped paper that represents the wind, the pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and the incense.

 

Let's go to the vocabulary:

 

Muerto - dead

Morir - to die

Muerte - death

Calavera - skull

 

La familia hace un altar - the family builds an altar

Velas – candles

Pasatiempos - hobbies

Guía – guide

Pan de muerto - special bread that is eaten these days.

 

Does every family have an altar?

 

No, not at the moment. We see altars in hotels, plazas, some businesses like Spanish in Cabo. They are very beautiful and some are works of art.

 

Yes, there are exhibitions of altars, the Day of the Dead is a very beautiful holiday. But isn't Halloween celebrated?

 

Yes, actually it's a great holiday for kids and it's a lot of fun.

 

So, there is a party since October 31.

 

Yes, many days of parties with costumes and painted faces.

 

Disfraces- costumes

 

And the catrinas?

 

We'll leave them for another podcast.

 

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Truco o trato / trick or treat

 

See you soon.

 

Bye-bye.