hammock

A hammock is a net tied onto two trees. The occupant lies down in the middle and sways back and forth. In the book, Tigre and his family use hammocks as beds.

the bush

The bush is the jungle.

Milpa

Milpa is a planted or unplanted cornfield.

tassel

A tassel is a group of stem-like flowers which grow atop the corn stalk.

vaqueros

Vaqueros are cowboys.

Hetz Mek

Hetz Mek is a Mayan ceremony performed for a four month-old baby. The mother walks the baby around a table with nine objects for her/his life. The baby holds each object. The result of the ceremony is the baby can now be carried across the hip.

lelem

Lelem is a machete, or large knife. Kunku Chac uses a lelem to conjure lightning.

atole

Atole is a drink that consists of boiling ground corn in water.

Chac Chac

Chac...