nitso
nítso with stress marks
niche; tomb; grave
Usage Note
Nitso refers to the above-ground wall niches in Philippine cemeteries where coffins are slid in and sealed, a tradition inherited from Spanish colonial Catholic practice. On Undas (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day), families gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate the nitso of their deceased relatives. The word can also refer more broadly to any burial niche.
Examples
" Nasa nitso ang lolo ko. "
Natural Translation
My grandfather is in the tomb.
Literal Translation
In-the tomb the grandfather my.
" Nag-alay kami ng bulaklak sa kanyang nitso. "
Natural Translation
We offered flowers at his/her tomb.
Literal Translation
Offered we of flower at his/her tomb.
" Tuwing Undas, nililinis at nilalagyan ng kandila ng buong pamilya ang nitso ng kanilang mga yumaong mahal sa buhay. "
Natural Translation
Every All Souls' Day, the whole family cleans and places candles at the tomb of their departed loved ones.
Literal Translation
Every Undas, cleaned and placed-with of candle of whole family the tomb of their plural departed loved in life.
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