- Other similar interpretations of the word Sinaloa
- Origin of the word Sinaloa
- Sinaloa as a state name
- References
The meaning of the word Sinaloa is disputed between various versions. The most widely accepted version comes from the Cahite language. In that language, the word Sinaloa is made up of the words sina and lobola, forming the word sinalobola (which would later be shortened by Sinaloa).
These words mean pitahaya and rounding, respectively. Finally, the word Sinaloa would then mean round pitahaya.
The pitahaya is the name of a fruit that varies depending on the region. In the Sinaloa region, you can find the sweet pitaya, whose pulp varies between red and cherry tones, and its skin tone is reddish.
As this is the most accepted etymology, the design of the Sinaloa shield is based on this fruit: the rounded edge corresponds to its shape.
Despite being so, various linguists today still discuss its meaning.
You may also be interested in the history of Sinaloa.
Other similar interpretations of the word Sinaloa
Another interpretation of the word Sinaloa indicates that it is a hybrid between Cahítas, Tarasca and Nahuatl. Being its origin the word sina-ro-un, its meaning would be the same fruit pitahayas.
The addition to this interpretation is that the word ro (which would later become lo), of Tarascan origin, means place of. At the end of the word, we find an Aztec component, atl, whose meaning is water.
Thus, according to this other interpretation, the meaning would go from being a simple fruit, to being "a place of pitahayas in the water."
Origin of the word Sinaloa
The origins of the word Sinaloa can be traced back to the 16th century, based on the documents of the Spaniards who were in that region.
This name was also used for the river that today is known as the Sinaloa River, and in some cases also for the Fuerte River.
On the other hand, the same word was used for other reasons: both to name the group of indigenous Cahites who lived on the banks of the river in El Fuerte, and to delimit a territory that went from the Mocorito river to where the domain of the Spanish.
Due to the various interpretations and uses of the word Sinaloa, when referring to it it is preferable that it be used with precision, to avoid confusion.
Sinaloa as a state name
The state of Sinaloa was named as such in 1831. This state does not have the dimensions it used to have when the Spanish used that name to delimit, imprecisely, their domains.
However, the division of the territory of Sinaloa predates the invasion, and together with the territories of Chiaetlán and Culiacán, they were based on the environment of nature and the respect they had towards it.
Today's division is very similar to the previous one, although it differs a bit from the one used by the Spanish, since they did not have a very precise division.
References
- Ilce Digital Library. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from The Sinaloa name: Bibliotecadigital.ilce.edu.mx
- Encyclopedia of the Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from Sinaloa: siglo.inafed.gob.mx
- Nations Encyclopedia. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from Sinaloa: nationsencyclopedia.com
- Sinaloa Secretariat of Tourism. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from History: turismo.sinaloa.gob.mx
- Sinaloa X. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from Sinaloa, meaning: sinaloax.com
- Wikipedia. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from Sinaloa Local Festivals and Festivals: es.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia. (9 of 11 of 2017). Obtained from Pitahaya: es.wikipedia.org