Glossary

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Atol: hot drink made from corn, water, piloncillo (unrefined sugar), cinnamon, and vanilla

Baktun: unit of time in the Maya calendar equivalent to 144,000 days or 20 k’atuns

Chi Xot: name in Kaqchikel Maya for the city of San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala

Chirimía: a double-reeded woodwind instrument similar in appearance to the oboe 

Cholq’ij: Mayan sacred calendar consisting of 260 days, based on the cycles of the moon; known in Yucatek Maya as Tzolkin

Ch’umilal: a person’s spirit or energy; nawal

Corte: the traditional woven skirt worn by Maya women with a huipil

Huipil: handwoven blouse traditionally worn by Mayan women

tends to have its own designs that identify its inhabitants

Haab’: Mayan civil calendar consisting of 365 days, based on the cycles of the sun

Kan: the plumed serpent, Mayan deity also known as K’uk’ulkan

Kaqchikel: Maya ethnic group from the central highlands of Guatemala; language spoken by the Kaqchikel people

K’atun: unit of time in the Mayan calendar equivalent to 7200 days or 20 tuns

Keme: owl; symbol of death and wisdom

Kot: two-headed eagle

K’oy: monkey

Nawal: animal spirit that accompanies every person starting at birth

Nïm po't: “big blouse” in Kaqchikel; ceremonial clothing item that women wear on special occasions 

Pom: fragrant incense made from the resin of a tree; used in Mayan ceremonies

Saqpor: ceremonial dish typical of Chichicastenango

Seño: señorita (address used by children with their teachers)

Tayuyo: a Guatemalan dish similar to a thick corn tortilla stuffed with beans

Xib’alb’a: the Mayan underworld