Glossary

Aguinaldo: Spanish word for a Christmas carol.
Angel: Traditionally believed to be spirit figures created by God, angels are entrusted to enact the will of God on earth. As divine messengers, angels deliver prayers to God and return heavenly messages to those on earth.
Archangel: High-ranking angel that governs the earth and serves as a divine messenger to God.
Attribute: Symbol or object associated with a particular figure. Often the connection is based on a particular story regarding the person's life.
Beatify: To declare a person to be “blessed” and worthy of public veneration. It is the last step before sainthood and requires papal approval of one miracle.
Canonize: To declare a person as a saint worthy of veneration by the Church. Canonization requires proof that the holy person was either a martyr of the Church or has performed two miracles.
Devotion: Veneration of a saint or other holy figure. When used in the plural, the term refers to prayers or offerings.
Devotional image: Representation of a saint or other holy figure often used in prayer.
Devotee: Someone who dedicates himself to a particular religious observance, such as the Virgin Mary or a saint.
Feast day: Feast days commemorate the lives of saints and are celebrated through special services and religious processions.
Fiesta patronal: Spanish word for a community's celebration of a patron saint's feast day, usually the date of the saint's death. In Puerto Rico, each city has a patron saint whose feast is celebrated for about ten days with processions, games, food, music and dancing.
Gospel: One of the first four books of the Bible's New Testament (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which describe Jesus' life, teachings, death and resurrection.
Habit: Traditional garments of a particular religious order.
Iconography: Traditional representations of a subject, including specific symbols that give the work a greater meaning.
Intercessor: Someone, often a saint, who acts on behalf of another in difficulty or trouble.
Intervention: The supernatural intercession by a holy figure on behalf of an individual or group. The intercession often follows a plea for protection or assistance.
Invoke: To petition or call for help or aid through prayer.
Legend: A story that is passed down from earlier generations and is based in tradition rather than verifiable facts.
Mantle: A cloak or coat worn over one's garments.
Milagros: Literally, "miracles" in Spanish. Also known as ex-voto, these are miniature representations in silver or other metal symbolizing parts of the body that have been healed from disease or injury.
Miracle: Extraordinary event that supercedes all human or natural powers and is attributed to a supernatural cause.
Offerings: Items left in thanksgiving to a saint or other holy figure, including flowers, candles, and milagros.
Patron saints: Saints who serve as patrons or special guardians, providing protection and guidance for a country, city, church, group, or an individual.
Parranda: Spanish word for a procession with singing and musical accompaniment with traditional instruments such as the güiro and maracas. Often an image of the saint is carried in the procession.
Rosario cantado: Spanish word for rosary prayers accompanied by religious songs.
Saint: Person of exceptional holiness or virtue who is officially recognized by the Church as being entitled to public veneration.
Santo: Spanish word for saint.
Santero: Literally, “saint-maker” in Spanish. A carver of saints.
Velorio: In Spanish, a prayer vigil accompanied by music.
Veneration: Adoration given to a particular holy figure. While devotees respect and acknowledge the power of these figures, only God is to be worshipped.

>> Web Links