Noun
/beˈloɾio/
The word "velorio" refers to a gathering that takes place to honor and mourn someone who has recently died. This event typically involves relatives and friends of the deceased coming together to offer their respects and support to the bereaved family, generally held in the home of the deceased or at a funeral home.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, a "velorio" can involve prayers, storytelling about the deceased, and sometimes music. It shows a cultural inclination to honor the dead in a communal setting. Frequency of use varies, as it is a common practice in Spanish-speaking communities, especially in Latin America, making it relatively more prevalent in oral speech than in written contexts.
"Decidimos hacer un velorio en casa para recordar a nuestro abuelo."
"We decided to hold a wake at home to remember our grandfather."
"El velorio de Marta fue un evento emotivo donde todos compartieron anécdotas."
"Marta's wake was an emotional event where everyone shared anecdotes."
"En el velorio, los amigos traen flores y fotos para honrar al fallecido."
"At the wake, friends bring flowers and photos to honor the deceased."
"Velorio" is not typically part of idiomatic expressions, but it is often used in phrases pertaining to death and remembrance. Below are some phrases that include the word or refer to related concepts:
This phrase signifies the act of going to pay respects to someone who has died.
"Organizar un velorio."
"To organize a wake."
This phrase involves the planning and setup of the wake event.
"Pasar la noche en el velorio."
"To spend the night at the wake."
This conveys a common practice where attendees stay overnight to support the grieving family.
"Traer consuelo en el velorio."
"To bring comfort at the wake."
The word "velorio" comes from the Spanish term "velar," which means "to keep watch" or "to stay awake." The practice of holding a wake is deeply rooted in cultural customs surrounding death, where watching over the body of the deceased is an act of respect and mourning.
Synonyms: - Vigilia (Vigil) - Desvelo (Sleeplessness, but can imply vigilance)
Antonyms: - Indiferencia (Indifference) - Desprecio (Disregard)
In conclusion, the term "velorio" encapsulates important social and cultural practices in Spanish-speaking communities, reflecting deep respect for the deceased and solidarity with those who mourn.