GLOSSARY

Aymará = Language of the original inhabitants of the Andean plains of Bolivia, Peru, part of Chile and Ecuador.

coca fields = Coca is generally grown in small terraces on hillsides.

Chojolulo = A small bird of humble appearance, of grey and maroon color. It has the habit of entering any garden or home without any fear, always leaving his beautiful singing as a mark. Its name means small singer.

Churuhuasca = Imaginary village in Los Yungas, where this story takes place.

Laws of the Indies = During colonial times, the kings of Spain dictated various laws in order to control and rule over the behavior of the inhabitants of their colonies in the Americas (Indies).

suma lulitu = In the native language, this is a term of endearment, it means very pretty, very small, very tender.

Chojolulitu = In the native language, a loving form of the word Chojolulo.

Nativity = During Christmas, it is traditional to represent the birth of Christ, the atmosphere and the people who surrounded him: Joseph, Virgin Mary, the Magi, etc. This is done with much faith and taste.

baby Jesus from Cuzco = Within the Nativity tradition, there was a time when dolls made by craftsman in Cuzco were considered the finest, due to the detail and use of silver and gold on the clothing, and thus were highly sought after.

marzipan = A paste, similar to the one used to make bread, that is used to make small colorful dolls.

yauiñckepa = Native name given to the jewelers and alchemists who make gold and silver threads. The most well known jewelers resided in Cuzco and in the Choqueyapu region (La Paz). The ability to make such thin, soft and pliable threads has been lost, no one makes them like that anymore.

banana = Banana trees are grown all over Los Yungas region

guarapos = The cooling juice extracted from pineapple. If left to ferment it turns into a very desirable alcoholic beverage.

orange cocktails = Better known as"yungueñitos," these are alcoholic beverages prepared with orange juice (from not very ripe oranges so it is not very sweet), and a grape liquor known as Singani.

tiger’s milk = Alcoholic beverage prepared with sugar, milk, eggs and grape liquor known as Singani. Each person tends to add other items, their own "secret." It is served in shot glasses; it is to for savoring and so hosts and hostesses serve just enough so the guests taste it and don’t get drunk.

cueca = Traditional dance of Bolivia and represents the courtship between a couple. The Chilean cueca and Peruvian marinera are similar in essence, but the Bolivian version is slower and more sensuous, even with the zapateo or foot stomping section.

huayñitos = Traditional dance of Bolivia. Happy music that is danced with short leaps and fancy steps that are choreographed by the couple.

polkas = European dance, left over from colonial times.

bailecito = Little dance, traditional dance of Bolivia. Sort of a fast waltz that lies between a cueca and a huayño.

La Paz = City in Bolivia, seat of the government. Urban and cultural center.l

mara = In native language and astronomical science it is the time the Earth requires to complete its orbit around the sun. It is what modern science labels as a "year."

alli = In native language and science is used in conjunction with"sapa mara" to signify a good harvest year, a prosperous and venturous year.

sapa mara = In native language and science it means a good harvest year, prosperous and venturous year.

chino pahkhsi = In native language and science it represents the month of January. It is the time when lunar phases start.

uru = In native language it means "day."

aruma = In native language it means "night."

kharuru = In native language it means "tomorrow."

wara wara = In native language and science it means "stars."

hacha wara wara = In native language and science it means "planets."

hualaychos = In native language it means "the happy ones, the ones passing by." During festivities it is also used to name the musical groups who arrive by foot and walk the streets while playing, common practice during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

quenas = wind instrument from the Andes, a notched vertical flute.

chulluchullos = Percussion instrument made with dozens of can lids, a rattle that is used to accompany Christmas carols and other traditional dances.

villancicos = Christmas carols sung and danced in honor of baby Jesus.

chaja-voz = An Aymara and Spanish words used to call those who sing of key and out of tune.

pita = Indigenous name for a thin and strong cord.

magueyes = Popular slang for the stems of the agave.

ulupica = Small fruit from Los Yungas. It is a small dark green ball about five millimeters in diameter, when crushed it releases a very tasty and hot juice. It is served with some soups and popular dishes.

changuitos = Popular name given to pre-adolescent boys.

ventiúnico = Popular word used to mean the one and only thing

abarcas = A sort of sandal worn by the indigenous people of Bolivia.

Los Yungas = Hot and semi-tropical area, the gate to the tropical forest.

cholada = Popular word used to referred to cholos and cholas, the indigenous people

noivo = Phonetic deformation of the word "nuevo" or new. The indigenous people tend to deform many Spanish words, for example"ki pasa" instead of "que pasa" (what is happening), "voivo" instead of "huevo," etc.

tablapayasos = A wooden clown that juggles by pulling strings tied to his hands.

ckulluwawas = A doll with a wooden body and face and extremities made with cloth and cotton.

wheeled horses = A wooden horse made with nicely carved wood and four wheels on the lower end. Children ride it by rolling on the wheels.

ckusillo dolls = Stuffed dolls adorned with the outfits worn to dance the rhythm known by the same name..

kgarwa = A stuffed doll that represents an animal. The name corresponds to the llama, but it is given to all sorts of stuffed animal.

ttejheña = Name given to cloth and rags used to stuff dolls.

tops = Tops are made out of wood with a nail inserted on its axis. A string is used to make them spin.

chocas = A wooden puzzle made of two pieces, one fits inside the other.

puzzle cubes = Wooden cubes that have a puzzle on each side.

Alasitas = Aymara festivity with the purpose of honoring the god of abundance, whose native name is Ekeko, and who is represented by a chubby man who carries sacks of food and all sorts of objects. The miniatures used to adorn him are objects that one desires to obtain in the coming year.q

guagua = Phonetic deformation of the indigenous word WAWA, which means infant child.

bizcochuelo = Pastry made with starch, eggs and sugar. It is spongy and tasty.

paceña = Or paceño, name given to those born in La Paz.

Cochabamba = Political Department of Bolivia. A valley of mild climate and very fertile land.

drums of coca = Coca leaves are tied in a particular way for transport and sale.

tambo = An inn for travellers who are transporting merchandise. It used to be a house with many rooms to house the travellers, when full travellers had to sleep outside.

Ekeko = Character in the Aymara mythology. His origin is really obscure, as it is his role of king or god. It is honored as a god but it is represented as a human (which is unusual in the native tradition). The Ekeko is believed to bring material abundance and joy to the hearts.