How Do You Spell NAVIDAD?

Pronunciation: [nˈavɪdˌad] (IPA)

The Spanish word for Christmas is "Navidad". It is pronounced in IPA phonetic transcription as /naβiˈðað/. The "n" is pronounced as in English, while the "a" sounds like the "a" in "father". The "v" is pronounced like a "b", and the "i" sounds like the "ee" in "tree". The double "d" is pronounced like a single "d", and the "a" at the end is also pronounced like the "a" in "father". This is a common word used throughout the Spanish-speaking world during the holiday season.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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NAVIDAD Meaning and Definition

  1. Navidad is a Spanish word that refers to the Christmas season, specifically the birth of Jesus Christ. Derived from the Latin term "natīvitas Domini," meaning "birth of the Lord," Navidad is a religious and cultural celebration observed by Spanish-speaking countries worldwide. It encompasses various customs, traditions, and festivities that take place during the period leading up to, and including, Christmas Day.

    Navidad is highlighted by the commemoration of the nativity of Jesus, often symbolized by the display of nativity scenes or "nacimientos" depicting the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. It is a time when Christians reflect on the biblical story of the birth of Christ and celebrate his presence in the world.

    Beyond its religious significance, Navidad is also a time of joy, togetherness, and gift-giving. Families and friends come together to exchange presents, share meals, and participate in festive activities. The holiday season is marked by vibrant decorations, such as Christmas lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees.

    Navidad is further characterized by specific customs unique to different cultures. These may include traditional foods, like tamales in Mexico or panettone in Spain, as well as local customs like the Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging before Jesus' birth.

    In summary, Navidad is a Spanish term encompassing the Christmas season, emphasizing the birth of Jesus Christ and the cultural celebrations associated with it. It is a time of religious observance, familial gatherings, and traditional practices that differ across Spanish-speaking regions.

Etymology of NAVIDAD

The word "navidad" is of Spanish origin and comes from the Latin phrase "natīvitās" meaning "birth" or "nativity". It is derived from the Latin word "nātīvus", which means "born" or "produced". In Spanish, "la navidad" specifically refers to the Christmas season or the birth of Jesus Christ.