Today in our Culture and History section, we bring you some more words from our old Papiamento. How many of them do you recognize? Perhaps you can use them and thus keep them alive in our culture.

Angelus

A prayer said in the morning at 6 o’clock, noon at 12 o’clock, and in the evening at 6 o’clock.

Bangaña

A dried gourd with a cork lid, in which water is put for drinking when working in the fields.

Cara di wele

Portrait of Princess Wilhelmina on the old coin.

Escre

Aristocratic appearance. Example: He’s dressed very ‘escre’ today, he’s dressed very elegantly today.

Filingrana

Bits and pieces. Example: It broke into ‘filingrana’.

Guma

A white flour, cooked and used to make pudding stiff. People used ‘guma’ among other things for underwear and shirts. They used ‘guma’ to stick the paper of a fly on the cans.

Lerdo

Slow or dumb, when referring to a person.

Loshi

A house in poor condition, a place where many things are wrong. Example: There’s no ‘loshi’ here; you can’t enter or leave when you want.

Moshpot

Disaster. Example: He made a ‘moshpot’ with the food; he spilled the food.

Nace den saco

When born, part of the afterbirth is on the baby’s head. According to popular belief, a ‘saco’ child is a person who has the gift of seeing spirits.

In conclusion, delving into the rich tapestry of Aruba’s culture and history through the lens of its unique language, Papiamento, reveals a treasure trove of linguistic gems. From traditional prayers like the “Angelus” to colloquial expressions such as “Nace den saco,” each word carries with it a piece of the island’s heritage and collective memory. By understanding and preserving these linguistic artifacts, we not only honor the past but also ensure that the vibrant essence of Aruba’s culture continues to thrive in the present and resonate into the future. As we reflect on these linguistic nuances, we are reminded of the resilience and resilience of the Aruban people, whose stories are woven into the very fabric of these words. In essence, our exploration of Aruba’s language is a testament to the island’s enduring spirit and the enduring legacy of its cultural heritage.