Learn all about Mother's Day in Brazil
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| 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 17, “Mother's Day,” or dia das Mães in Portuguese. |
| In this lesson, we’ll talk about the holiday dedicated to one of the most important people in our lives—Mother's Day! |
| It’s always celebrated on the second Sunday in May. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| What is one of the most famous songs dedicated to moms in Brazil? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| This date was chosen to celebrate and offer thanks to all mothers. The first Mother's Day in Brazil was organized by the YMCA in Porto Alegre in 1918, but the date was only officially fixed as the second Sunday in May in 1932 under the government of Getúlio Vargas. These days, this holiday is also included in the official calendar of the Catholic church. |
| It is the second most profitable date in the world of commerce in Brazil, just behind Christmas. That’s because fathers go shopping with their kids to find the best gift for their mom. Some creative children prepare their own surprises for their mothers. The “gifts,” or presentes in Portuguese, are usually accompanied by a Mother's Day card expressing thanks for all her caring and love. |
| Some children prepare “breakfast,” or café da manhã in Portuguese, on Mother's Day and take it to her in bed. It’s also often a time for a “family reunion,” or reunião familiar in Portuguese, with several generations of mothers gathering for a special lunch. |
| Then comes the part eagerly awaited by the mothers—the “gift-giving,” a entrega de presentes in Portuguese! Although expensive gifts are a great choice, many mothers love receiving cards and gifts made “by hand,” or feitos à mão in Portuguese, or items with some special significance given in appreciation of their dedication and caring in looking after their children. |
| According to the latest census data from the IBGE, the fertility rate, or the average number of children per woman, is 1.9. In 1940, it was 6.16. That’s a huge change in such a short span of time, isn't it? |
| Now let’s have the answer to the quiz question. |
| What is one of the most famous songs dedicated to moms in Brazil? |
| A favorite song dedicated to mothers is sung by Roberto Carlos, and is called "How Great is My Love For You," or Como é grande o meu amor por você in Portuguese. The title is enough for us to understand why so many choose this song to celebrate the love between mothers and children, isn't it? |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| How do you celebrate Mother's Day in your country? |
| Leave your comments on the lesson page at PortuguesePod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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