Vocabulary to better understanding the workshops.
We want to include a glossary of terms frequently used in Andean religious services:
Vocabulary A – G
- APU: A magical deity lives in the mountains and is known as AWQUI or ROWAL. People also use the term “apu” to refer to the mountains themselves.
- AJLLAY: The art of selecting the elements for the ‘despacho’ involves choosing the most eye-catching items, featuring the best shapes and vibrant colors.
- CH’ALLAY: to sprinkle liquor, chicha, or water with clove flowers.
- CHACANA: Andean cross with four equal sides, each with three steps.
- CHAQCHAR: to absorb the juice of the coca leaf and chew it with great attention, savoring the flavor of the coca.
- CHUYAQ: period of abstinence; spiritual purification and cleansing of the body.
- DESPACHO: a collection of material elements used in the ritual.
H – P
- HANAN PACHA: the supernatural world, the place of the spirits.
- HUCHA: guilt, sorrow, sadness, and regret.
- HUACA: a specific deity, usually a tomb.
- K’NTU: Three carefully selected coca leaves must be whole, shiny, and preferably have an unusual shape.
- K’ARI: Men
- KARPAY: initiation into Andean priesthood.
- KAY PACHA: the earthly world where humans live.
- WAJAKUY: to repeatedly call upon a spirit.
- NINA WILCA: sacred fire; the officiant does not light the fire directly on the ritual table. Instead, they first ignite some thin twigs made from coca leaves and then bring the fire to the table.
- LLIKLLA: a blanket used to carry the Paqo’s utensils on the back.
Vocabulary Q – Z
- Q’ERO: A ceremonial cup serves chicha and can be made of ceramic or glass, but it is never made of plastic or cardboard.
- RUNA: Active participants in the traditional Quechua culture. This term refers to the descendants of the Incas.
- UKHU PACHA: the inner world, where malevolent forces dwell.
- UMA RAYMI KILLA: the month of September, favorable for making payments for livestock and sowing.
- UNKHUÑA: a white wool blanket; it is the direct wrapping for the offering.
- WARMI: Woman
- WAYRA APAC: the wind that carries the coca k’ntus to the apus.
