Christmas traditions in Brazil

A Christmas nativity scene

Christmas nativity scene

Christmas traditions in Brazil They are the result of amalgamation of cultures that makes up that American country. On the one hand, there are several native ethnic groups and, on the other, the population made up of descendants of immigrants from different nations, especially Portuguese. This is logical since the Rio de Janeiro territory was his colony for centuries. However, citizens of Spanish, Italian and even German origin also abound.

Consequently, we could say that the Christmas traditions in Brazil combine the influences of the latin and christian culture with those from the Central European and Protestant countries. If you want to know more about these customs, we encourage you to continue reading.

Brazilian traditions around Christmas

The first thing we must remind you is that Christmas in Brazil takes place in summer. As the country is in the southern hemisphere, December is part of that season and this influences traditions. We are going to see some of them around the Christmas day.

The tree and the nativity scene

Brazilians also install the Christmas tree in their houses and streets. And they adorn it with the traditional objects that we use here, but also with flowers of its gardens. For example, in Rio de Janeiro it is already a tradition to Arvore Natal da Lagoa, which is installed in the middle of the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon.

As for the nativity scene, in Brazil it is called prespian, which comes from the Latin word presepium, whose meaning is "manger." It was introduced in those lands by a Franciscan monk named Gaspar de Santo Agostinho in the seventeenth century. The city of Olinda It has the merit of having hosted the first nativity scene that was installed in Brazil but now it is a tradition throughout the country, especially in the northwestern part of it, in cities such as Bahía, Paraíba, Pernambuco or Río Grande do Norte.

A Christmas tree

Christmas tree

Christmas Eve dinners

Brazilians also celebrate Christmas Eve with scenes. In fact, as in Spain, they are quite copious. A typical dinner would include, for example, turkey, colored rice, ham, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

As you can see, the menu is more similar to the North American than the European. On the other hand, Brazilians also attend the Midnight mass, which ends at dawn on December 25. On that very day, they meet again to celebrate the Ceia from Natal or Christmas dinner.

Christmas carols and nougat

Christmas traditions in Brazil also include these two elements. Regarding Christmas carols, they are sung the same as in the rest of the world, especially the famous 'Silent Night', known as 'Happy Noite'. However, there are also Brazilians, for example, graduates 'A Borboleta' y 'Sapatinho na janela' ('Shoe in the window').

As for the nougat, they are also eaten in many parts of Brazil due to European influence, as well as the Panettone Italian and the stollen German. But more typical are rabanadas, very similar to our French toast. Depending on the area of ​​the South American country, they are prepared with sugar and cinnamon, with Port wine or with honey syrup.

A panettone

Panettone

Santa Claus

The tradition of the Three Kings does not exist in Brazil, but that of Santa Claus. There he is known as Papai Noel and, as in other parts of the world, he brings gifts to children and comes from Greenland. However, their clothing is different, something logical if we take into account that in South America it is summer. Specifically, tradition dictates that he be dressed in a cool silk suit, not with warm winter clothes.

Traditions around the end of the year

The celebration of the New Year in Brazil has all the ingredients that are found elsewhere. However, it also offers certain differentiating elements and some very curious.

The San Silvestre race

It is common for all the countries of the world to welcome the new year running. And Brazil is no exception. All the cities of the country organize their San Silvestre. This custom was established in 1925 and since then it has not stopped being celebrated.

The chimes

Cariocas also come out to listen to the chimes at midnight. It is true that there are no grapes there and that, instead of the squares, they usually go to the beaches. It is what they call Reveillon party and its main sources of excitement are music and fireworks, the latter really impressive in some areas, where they illuminate the skies for several minutes.

San Silvestre Race

Saint Sylvester of Säo Paulo

The rituals, a classic among the Christmas traditions in Brazil

In almost all parts of the world, the beginning of the year involves certain rites or customs, but in the South American country they are especially numerous. Thus, Brazilians usually wear white on New Years Eve. Likewise, those who celebrate the arrival of the new year on the beach go into the sea and seven waves jump. Apparently it is a rite brought from Africa for the first slaves who arrived in the territory.

Along with these rituals, it is also customary among Cariocas to give three jumps with a glass of champagne in hand at twelve o'clock at night; spread yellow flowers through the rooms of the house and always keep the right clothes. Finally, the legend says that, if the first visit on January XNUMX is carried out by a man, it is a sign of prosperity for the new year. However, this myth will seem a bit macho to you, as it does to us.

Christmas lights

Christmas lighting

Other Christmas traditions in Brazil

During the Christmas season, Brazilians usually play secret friend. As you know, it consists of a group of people giving each other gifts without the recipient knowing the name of the person who gave it to them. On Christmas day all those people come together to receive the gifts and find out who their secret friend is.

In conclusion, the Christmas traditions in Brazil are quite similar to the European ones and also to those of the rest of the American countries. However, it also has some curious elements that, in this part of the world, attract our attention. A good example of this are their new year's rituals. Don't they seem really peculiar to you?


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