Find the meaning of the following Spanish words:
Pesebre-manger
Pastor(es)-shepherds
Estrella-star
Oveja-sheep
Vaca-cow
Burro-donkey
Reyes Magos- wise men
Feliz Navidad- Merry Christmas
El Nino Dios- God child
La Virgen Maria- the virgin mary
San Jose- Saint Joseph
Novena- ninth
Villancicos- Christmas cards
Regalos-gifts
Velas-candles
Familia- family
Questions:
a) What are the similarities amongst the Christmas celebrations? What elements are common in all of them?
In Colombia:Christmas in Colombia is a religious event also mixed with lots of “parranda” or fiesta, like it is common in Hispanic culture. On December 7th by celebrating the day of “La Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción”
In Cuba: Christmas in Cuba is not marked by the grandiose feasts and decorations that characterize many Hispanic Christmas celebrations in other countries in North, Central and South America. But this was not always the case.We buy gifts and ask the children to help us wrap them to deliver them at corner streets where less fortunate children may be begging.We let our children stay up late expecting to see baby Jesus delivering presents.
In Mexico: Christmas starts shortly after one of the most important Mexican holidays, “la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” or Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every year, Mexicans try to take off from work the last two weeks to celebrate Christmas.The main Christmas traditions in Mexico are “Las Posadas,” “Las Pastorelas,” and “La Fiesta de Reyes.” The first two traditions were born as a vehicle to teach religion to the Aztecs. I talked to María Teresa Noguez, a Mexican who now lives in Canada, about how she and her family celebrate Christmas in Mexico.
Similarities: They all involve feasting and spending time with family and for the most part givving gifts to the children.
b)What are the major differences? In Mexico the children do no open their presents on Christmas day, but in Cuba they do. In mexico Christmas celebration starts earlier and goes on a little longer.
c) What are the different names given to the "Nativity Scene"? pesebre,nacimiento,Belén
d) What is the "Noche Buena"? What is the Dia de las Velitas"? What is "Las Posadas"? What is "La Misa de Gallo?" and Why is it called that way? What are the "pinatas" used for?
Noche Buena-Noche Buena is another word for Christmas Eve and Valentine's Day. In Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines, the evening consists of a traditional family dinner. Roasted pig, or lechón is often the center ofNoche Buena for feasts around the world.Dia de las Velitas- day of the candles. “El Día de las Velitas” is not complete until we mix in dancing music, foods like “buñuelos” or fritters, “empanadas” which are fried dough stuffed with potatoes and meat or grilled meats. We drink rum and the famous “Aguardiente,” an anise drink that is pretty powerful.
Las Posadas- A simulation of the arrival to Bethlehem is carried out. The final night is on December 24.
La Misa de Gallo- Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born. Most families eat their main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve before the service.
Pesebre-manger
Pastor(es)-shepherds
Estrella-star
Oveja-sheep
Vaca-cow
Burro-donkey
Reyes Magos- wise men
Feliz Navidad- Merry Christmas
El Nino Dios- God child
La Virgen Maria- the virgin mary
San Jose- Saint Joseph
Novena- ninth
Villancicos- Christmas cards
Regalos-gifts
Velas-candles
Familia- family
Questions:
a) What are the similarities amongst the Christmas celebrations? What elements are common in all of them?
In Colombia:Christmas in Colombia is a religious event also mixed with lots of “parranda” or fiesta, like it is common in Hispanic culture. On December 7th by celebrating the day of “La Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción”
In Cuba: Christmas in Cuba is not marked by the grandiose feasts and decorations that characterize many Hispanic Christmas celebrations in other countries in North, Central and South America. But this was not always the case.We buy gifts and ask the children to help us wrap them to deliver them at corner streets where less fortunate children may be begging.We let our children stay up late expecting to see baby Jesus delivering presents.
In Mexico: Christmas starts shortly after one of the most important Mexican holidays, “la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” or Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every year, Mexicans try to take off from work the last two weeks to celebrate Christmas.The main Christmas traditions in Mexico are “Las Posadas,” “Las Pastorelas,” and “La Fiesta de Reyes.” The first two traditions were born as a vehicle to teach religion to the Aztecs. I talked to María Teresa Noguez, a Mexican who now lives in Canada, about how she and her family celebrate Christmas in Mexico.
Similarities: They all involve feasting and spending time with family and for the most part givving gifts to the children.
b)What are the major differences? In Mexico the children do no open their presents on Christmas day, but in Cuba they do. In mexico Christmas celebration starts earlier and goes on a little longer.
c) What are the different names given to the "Nativity Scene"? pesebre,nacimiento,Belén
d) What is the "Noche Buena"? What is the Dia de las Velitas"? What is "Las Posadas"? What is "La Misa de Gallo?" and Why is it called that way? What are the "pinatas" used for?
Noche Buena-Noche Buena is another word for Christmas Eve and Valentine's Day. In Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines, the evening consists of a traditional family dinner. Roasted pig, or lechón is often the center ofNoche Buena for feasts around the world.Dia de las Velitas- day of the candles. “El Día de las Velitas” is not complete until we mix in dancing music, foods like “buñuelos” or fritters, “empanadas” which are fried dough stuffed with potatoes and meat or grilled meats. We drink rum and the famous “Aguardiente,” an anise drink that is pretty powerful.
Las Posadas- A simulation of the arrival to Bethlehem is carried out. The final night is on December 24.
La Misa de Gallo- Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born. Most families eat their main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve before the service.