vía crucis
/bia kɾuθis/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stations of the cross' is translated into Spanish as vía crucis.
The term vía crucis is used to refer to the physical set of images or sculptures depicting the final events of Jesus Christ's life, as well as the devotional service or procession itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vía crucis is a direct translation of 'way of the cross'. The word vía means 'way' or 'path', and crucis is the genitive form of cruz, meaning 'cross'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the variation Las estaciones del Calvario is used.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, vía crucis is often used metaphorically to describe any long, painful, or grueling ordeal, regardless of whether it is religious.
- If you are in a Spanish-speaking country during Holy Week, you might see a 'living' vía crucis where actors reenact the scenes in public squares.
- Even though the phrase is used widely in Spanish, the term vía crucis is actually a Latin phrase that was adopted directly into the language without translation.
Examples in context
- Los feligreses rezaron Las Estaciones de la Cruz en la iglesia local.The parishioners prayed the Stations of the Cross at the local church.
- Vamos a rezar el vía crucis en la iglesia.We are going to pray the stations of the cross in the church.
- El vía crucis es muy conmovedor.The stations of the cross is very moving.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking through a cathedral.
- DanielMira, Elena, ahí está el vía crucis.Look, Elena, there is the stations of the cross.
- ElenaEs muy hermoso, Daniel.It is very beautiful, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Quieres que nos detengamos a orar?Do you want to stop to pray?
- ElenaSí, me gustaría mucho.Yes, I would like that very much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vía, vía crucis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
