Saturday, November 8, 2025

MND Tutor | CempasĂșchil Basic

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Take the basic Spanish quiz to challenge your knowledge of the language

Basic level: 

Overview: At the basic level, you’ll learn essential words and phrases related to the cempasĂșchil flower and the Day of the Dead. You’ll discover simple grammar and a short text introducing the festival and the flower’s importance.

Vocabulary

  • flor — flower
  • naranja — orange
  • calĂ©ndula — marigold
  • muerto — dead
  • altar — altar
  • fiesta — festival
  • noviembre — November
  • guĂ­a — guide

Phrases

  • La flor de cempasĂșchil es naranja — The marigold flower is orange
  • El altar tiene flores — The altar has flowers
  • Celebramos en noviembre — We celebrate in November
  • Las flores guĂ­an a los muertos — The flowers guide the dead

Grammar Focus

Focus on the simple present tense:
Las flores iluminan el camino — The flowers light the way
  • Yo ilumino
  • TĂș iluminas
  • Él/ella ilumina
  • Nosotros iluminamos
  • Ellos iluminan 
  • Ustedes iluminan 

El CempasĂșchil y el DĂ­a de los Muertos

En MĂ©xico, el DĂ­a de los Muertos es una fiesta muy especial. La gente pone altares en sus casas y decora con cempasĂșchil, una flor naranja. Dicen que su color intenso y su aroma ayudan a guiar a los espĂ­ritus de los muertos a sus familias. En noviembre, los altares estĂĄn llenos de flores. Es un momento para recordar y celebrar a los seres queridos que ya no estĂĄn. El cempasĂșchil es muy importante en esta tradiciĂłn.

A woman stands next to a multi-tiered altar taller than she is, decked with photos, flowers and candles
Residents of Malinalco, a designated Pueblo Mågico in México state, opened their homes to visitors to share ornate altars in honor of family members who passed away this year. Visitors bring a candle to light in memory the deceased and receive a candy or small treat in exchange. (Crisanta Espinosa Aguilar/Cuartoscuro)

ÂżDe quĂ© color es el cempasĂșchil? / What color is the marigold?

ÂżCuĂĄndo se celebra el DĂ­a de los Muertos? / When is the Day of the Dead celebrated?

¿Qué se pone en el altar? / What is placed on the altar?

ÂżPara quĂ© sirve el aroma del cempasĂșchil? / What is the aroma of cempasĂșchil used for?

ÂżQuĂ© significa “guĂ­a”? / What does “guĂ­a” mean?

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