Brazilian Legends and Superstitions
Brazil is a beautiful land, with a rich history and culture in which the heritage of pre-Columbian and indigenous peoples is mixed with the influences of European cultures. There are many Brazilian myths and legends that have emerged over time, which aim to explain the world, reality and the different phenomena and events that worried or amazed its inhabitants.
1. El nacimiento de la noche
2. Las cataratas de Iguazú
3. La leyenda de Ajuricaba
4. La leyenda del Río Amazonas
5. Curupira, el guardián del bosque
6. La Pisadeira
7. La leyenda del Guaraná
8. La leyenda del Açaí
9. La leyenda del uirapurú
10. Iasá y el origen del arcoiris
superstitions
Local culture is something really important in Brazil. Old stories, beliefs and folklore are still a part of life for people across the country. And the Brazilian superstitions that people still respect, today are part of this cultural background.
The first thing that foreigners learn about Brazilian superstitions upon arriving in Brazil are all the rituals that are performed during the New Year. Choosing the right color to wear, eating grapes at midnight, buying new underwear, and jumping seven waves in the ocean, just to name a few. However, there are dozens of other superstitions that Brazilians still follow every day.
1. Black cats Black cats mean bad luck. Especially if a black cat crosses someone's path. However, animal rights activists are working hard to dispel that belief.
2. Stairs He always chooses to go around the stairs rather than walk right under them. It's such bad luck to do it!
3. Sweep feet If someone accidentally sweeps your feet with a broom while sweeping the floor, you are doomed to never get married.
4. Itchy ears If your ears itch, it means that someone is talking about you. They are probably not speaking well of you.
5. Flip flops inside out Don't (Never!) Leave your flip flops inside out. That means your mom is going to die and no one wants to wait and see if this is true.
6. Touch the wood three times Touch any wood three times to avoid bad luck. If someone says something bad could happen, just hit the wood three times to prevent it. It works the same as saying “God forbid”, but with a powerful gesture.
7. Saint George Sword Plant The Dracaena trifasciata Plant, also known as Saint George's sword, is a powerful ally when it comes to driving away bad energy. Many Brazilians have this plant right next to the entrance to their homes or businesses. This plant also helps you to succeed in life.
8. Elephant Ornament Simply decorate your home with an elephant ornament for financial luck. But wait, that's not all! The elephant's butt should always point at the entrance of your house or else it won't work.
9. Visitors at home If you have an unwanted visitor, place a broom behind the front door and they'll be gone. If you like the visitor and want them to come back another time, don't let them open the door of your house themselves. Make sure you are the one to open the door for them to leave.
10. Handbags Never leave your bags or backpacks on the ground. That means you will lose money. Always look for a chair or table where you can leave your suitcases.
11. Cheers! Making a toast can change your life completely. Making a toast with an empty glass means bad luck. You should always drink from your glass immediately after toasting. Don't put your glass on the table without first drinking. Unless you want to spend the next few years without sex! Always make eye contact with everyone who toasts with you.
12. The moon You should pay attention to the lunar phases before cutting your hair. If you want your hair to grow longer and faster, get a haircut on the first quarter of the moon. Book an appointment with your hairdresser during the Full Moon if you want more volume. Your hair grows slowly, but healthier, when you get a haircut during the last quarter of the moon. And finally, for a fresh look, choose New Moon, perfect for changing your hair color or hairstyle.
13. Saint Longinus San Longinos (São Longuinho in Portuguese) is a Catholic saint known to Brazilians as the entity that helps you find lost belongings. When you can't find an object, no matter how important, just say: “São Longuinho, São Longuinho, se eu achar 'tal coisa' eu dou três pulinhos” (San Longinos, San Longinos, if I find 'such a thing', I'll jump three times). After finding what you were looking for, jump three times to show your gratitude!
