Learn all about Day of Saci in Brazil
Now Playing: Lesson Audio
Get this lesson’s key vocab, their translations and pronunciations. Sign up for your Free Lifetime Account Now and get 7 Days of Premium Access including this feature.
| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class - Holidays in Brazil Series at PortuguesePod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind holidays and observances in Brazil. I’m Becky, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 15. Day of Saci or Dia do Saci in Portuguese. |
| Do you like "tricks and treats"? In this lesson, we're going to talk about the scariest day of the year – the Day of Saci! |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| What is "Jack-o'-Lantern" known as and how is he portrayed in Brazil? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| In Brazil, we have many names for this day, some rather Americanized, and others more Brazilian. |
| The Day of the Saci, sometimes referred to as Halloween, came to Brazil through the influence of American culture. On this day, it is believed that the anguished spirits of the dead leave their graves and come out to frighten people. |
| Recently, celebration of this day has gradually been gaining acceptance in Brazil. This vibrant country brimming with life does not generally get caught up in celebrations of the dead. The Day of the Witches is predominantly celebrated in English schools, or escolas de inglês, as well as some schools, clubs, nightclubs, and shopping centers. |
| And how do people celebrate it? Well, as I said, the influence of the United States is still very strong, so celebrations, these days, still tend to copy the American pattern. Some children dress up and go knocking on doors asking for a "trick or treat" – usually those who live in closed communities. |
| As for the grown-ups, there are lots of themed events and fancy-dress parties or, festas à fantasia. |
| Since 2005, in an attempt to boost the observation of national folk traditions, the name of the Day of the Saci, or Dia do Saci has been adopted for October 31 as an alternative to Halloween. |
| One of the best known characters in Brazilian folklore is called Saci Pererê. The Saci is a one-legged black boy with a pipe in his mouth and a red cap on his head, which gives him magical powers. He likes to tell jokes and play pranks on people and animals, and to scare night travelers. |
| We also have another day dedicated to Brazilian tradition. It is August 22, the Day of Folklore, or Dia do Folclore. On that day, schools, cultural centers, and museums hold a multitude of events for children relating to Brazilian culture and legend. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What is "Jack-o’-Lantern" known as and how is he portrayed in Brazil? |
| He is known as Cuca and is represented by the form of a silver-haired old hag, who looks like an alligator and catches naughty children. The Brazilian Portuguese legend about Cuca derives from the "Coca" dragon legend, which is very similar to the Jack-o'-Lantern character. |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| How do you celebrate Halloween in your country? |
| Leave your comments on the lesson page at PortuguesePod101.com |
Comments
Hide