We previously looked at one of Brazil's neighbouring countries to see how Christmas was celebrated in Bolivia, and have also looked at another Bolivian neighbour, Argentina, to see how Argentinians celebrate Christmas.
In this post we look at how Brazil celebrates Christmas.
South America is made up from 14 countries with Brazil being the largest of those countries. It is also the fifth largest country in the world by land area and the sixth largest country in the world by population.
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil and is the only country in South America to speak this language. It's name comes from pau-brasil which is Portuguese for a tree named Brazilwood. It should come as no surprise that the most popular sport in Brazil is football!
When
Christmas celebrations usually run through December up until the Epiphany (6th January) with Christmas day usually falling on the 25th December
Religious Influences
Around 64% of the Brazilian population are Roman Catholic. One of the most famous religious features in Brazil is the colossal statue of Christ The Redeemer with is 30 metres tall, with the outstretches arms of Jesus Christ spanning 28 metres. The statue was completed in 1931 and overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Photo by Jessica Lewis from Pexels
Decorations
Presépio (nativity scenes) are popular in churches and in homes. In towns and cities there are big Christmas Tree shaped displays of lights.
Customs
Christmas plays called Os Pastores (The Shepherds) are popular. Within the Brazilian version of this play, there is a shepherdess and a woman who try to steal baby Jesus.
Most people go to the Missa Do Galo (Mass of the Rooster/Midnight Mass) which finishes about 1.00am on Christmas Day (25th December). There are also afternoon church services on Christmas day. In big towns and cities there are often firework displays after mass. Some people will go to the beach on Christmas Day.
Photo by Designecologist from Pexels
Papai Noel (Santa Clause) gives presents to children if he finds their sock by the window. Secret Santa, known as Amigo Secreto, is popular in Brazil at Christmas, and sees people give small gifts all through December under a fake name and then reveal who their amigo secreto was on Christmas Day. Other people will just exchange gifts after the toast at midnight.
Workers in Brazil commonly get double their pay for the month of December.
Many other Christmas customs are similar to those of the US and UK.
Food
The main Christmas meal is usually served around 10pm on Christmas Eve and people make a toast at midnight. Common foods at Christmas time include pork, turkey, ham, salads and fresh or dried fruits.
Meals are served with rice, cooked raisins and Farofa (seasoned manioc flour). Desserts include tropical fruits and ice cream.
Since Brazil is a mix of so many different cultures, the meals can vary greatly depending on family tradition and culture. Some people will also have a Christmas dinner at lunchtime on Christmas day.
In our next post we head back to Europe to take a look at how Bulgaria celebrates Christmas.
Cover Photo by Giftpundits.com from Pexels