Here is a glossary of Spanish term used in connection with the Day of the Dead:
- los angelitos literally, little angels; young children whose spirits return
- la calaca a skeleton figure representing death, similar to the Grim Reaper
- el calavera a reckless fellow
- la calavera skull
- la calaverada crazy, foolish behavior
- el difunto the departed
- la hojaldra a bread for the Day of the Dead
- la ofrenda an offering left for the souls of the dead
- zempasúchitl the traditional name for the yellow marigolds used to mark a pathway to the altar