CHAOS LAB · THE CHOSEN · A LIVING DICTIONARY
The Chosen Dictionary
The words living inside the story
Dear Rebels,
I’ve been thinking. It’s quite impossible to write The Chosen without keeping some of the original Portuguese words. That’s why I decided to create this little dictionary with the most-used words.
This post will grow while the story grows, which means I’ll be updating it quite a lot.
Ohhh, and by the way, Portuguese isn’t the only foreign language you’ll see in The Chosen.
Yes, that’s a little spoiler…
01 · THE SPIRITUAL WORLD
The Spiritual World
Words from Candomblé, Yoruba traditions and the spiritual world that surrounds Maria and Ksenia.
Axé
Yoruba origin · Afro-Brazilian traditionsSacred spiritual power or vital energy. A force associated with life, movement and the ability to make things happen.
Bori
Yoruba origin · CandombléA ritual of offering to and caring for the Ori, the spiritual head. It is associated with nourishment, balance and strengthening one’s relationship with destiny.
Búzios
Portuguese · DivinationCowrie shells. In Candomblé, they can be used in a sacred divination system known as jogo de búzios.
Candomblé
Afro-Brazilian religionAn Afro-Brazilian religion rooted in African traditions, particularly those brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans. Its religious life includes the Orixás, ancestry, sacred ceremonies, music and community.
Exu
Yoruba tradition · OrixáAn Orixá associated with communication, movement, crossroads and the opening of paths. Exu is not the Christian Devil, although the two have historically been confused in some interpretations.
Feitura
Portuguese · CandombléThe process of religious initiation in Candomblé, often called feitura de santo. It marks a profound commitment to the religious tradition.
Filhos de santo
Portuguese · CandombléLiterally, children of the saint. A term used for members of a Candomblé religious house, particularly those initiated into its traditions.
Guias
Portuguese · Afro-Brazilian traditionsBeaded necklaces with religious or spiritual significance. Their colours, materials and uses depend on the tradition and religious house.
Iaô
Yoruba origin · CandombléA person newly initiated into Candomblé. The term is associated with a particular stage of religious life following initiation.
Ialorixá / Yalorixá
Yoruba origin · CandombléA female religious leader or priestess in Candomblé, often called a mãe de santo. In The Chosen, Larissa holds this role.
Iansã
Yoruba tradition · OrixáAlso known as Oyá, an Orixá associated with winds, storms, lightning and powerful transformations.
Obrigação
Portuguese · CandombléA religious obligation or ritual observance. Some obligations mark important stages and anniversaries in the religious life of an initiate.
Ori
Yoruba · Spiritual conceptLiterally, head. In Yoruba spiritual thought, Ori also refers to the inner spiritual head, connected with personal destiny, individuality and consciousness.
Orixá
Yoruba origin · Afro-Brazilian religionsA divine being associated with aspects of nature, existence and spiritual life. Orixás are central to Candomblé and also important in Umbanda.
Oxum
Yoruba tradition · OrixáAn Orixá associated with fresh waters, love, beauty, fertility and prosperity. Rivers and waterfalls are particularly associated with her.
Recolhido
Portuguese · Ritual practiceIn seclusion or withdrawn from ordinary activities. In Candomblé, ritual seclusion can be part of initiation and other important religious observances.
Terreiro
Portuguese · Afro-Brazilian religionsA religious house or sacred community space where rituals, celebrations, teachings and religious life take place.
Umbanda
Afro-Brazilian religionA Brazilian religion that combines influences from African spiritual traditions, Spiritism, Catholicism and Indigenous Brazilian traditions. Its practices and beliefs differ among religious communities.
02 · PORTUGUESE WORDS & EXPRESSIONS
Portuguese Words and Expressions
Everyday words, feelings and expressions that sound much better when they are allowed to remain themselves.
Calma
PortugueseCalm, or calm down. A word that can be used to soothe, reassure or ask someone to slow down.
Cachaça
Brazilian PortugueseA Brazilian alcoholic spirit produced from fermented sugarcane juice.
Esteira
PortugueseA mat, often woven from straw or other natural fibres, used for sitting, lying down or sleeping. It may also have a role in religious settings.
Minha filha
PortugueseMy daughter. It can be used literally or affectionately when addressing someone with care and warmth.
Roupas de ração
Portuguese · Candomblé terminologySimple clothing worn for daily religious-house activities and duties. Traditionally associated with practical garments rather than elaborate ceremonial dress.
Saudade
PortugueseLonging. Missing someone, somewhere or something. A deep emotional absence that can contain love, memory, sadness and affection all at once. One of those words that refuses to fit neatly into a single English translation.
03 · TITLES & FORMS OF ADDRESS
Titles and Forms of Address
Because how someone addresses another person can carry meaning far beyond the name itself.
Baba
YorubaFather. A respectful form of address that may also be used for a male spiritual elder. In The Chosen, Ksenia calls Carlos Baba Carlos.
Pai
PortugueseFather. It can refer to a biological father or appear in a religious title such as pai de santo, a male Candomblé religious leader.
Iyá
YorubaMother. A word also found in religious titles and respectful forms of address for women and spiritual elders.
This Dictionary Will Keep Growing
The Chosen is being written and published chapter by chapter, which means new words and expressions will continue to appear.
And since the story has a tendency to take me to places I wasn’t expecting, I suspect this dictionary will end up being considerably longer than I originally planned.
So if you come across a word whispered by Maria, explained by Baba Carlos or casually dropped into the middle of some spiritual chaos, this is where you can come to find out what it means.
And if the word hasn’t been added yet, give me a little time. I’m probably still trying to figure out where the story is taking me.
Now, back to the writing. Those characters have lives to live, and apparently I’m just here to follow them around with a notebook.
Lupe