A Brazilian New Year’s Eve: Fun Traditions & Superstitions
The Six Most Famous Brazilian New Year’s Eve Traditions:
- Jump Through 7 Waves When the Clock Strikes Midnight: If you are celebrating New Year’s Eve at the beach along with millions of other Brazilians, jump into the ocean at midnight and jump into 7 ondas (waves) for good luck, but only if you’re facing the waves head-on! For every wave, you can make one wish.
- Wear White on New Year’s Eve: It is quite a sight to see two million people dressed all in white side by side on Copacabana beach. It is impossible to miss the memo! The all-white clothing tradition also comes from African religions as an homage to the god Oxalá. It was then adopted by Roman Catholics and Evangelists alike.
- The Food You Eat Determines Your New Year: The menu on New Year’s even depends on the family in Brazil. However, most families eat lentilhas (lentils) on New Year’s Eve in Brazil to bring good luck and romãs (pomegranates) to bring wealth. Some really superstitious people might tell you not to eat aves (poultry) because these animals walk backward, representing a regression in life.
- Get Lucky with a Bay Leaf: The folha de louro (bay leaf), also known as the Priest’s leaf, is a very spiritual token and is said to sharpen one’s intuition. During New Year’s celebrations, many Brazilians keep one in their pockets for extra good luck.
- Start the New Year on an Elevated Surface: To start the New Year off on a good note, make sure to countdown to midnight from an elevated surface. Stand on a sturdy chair, climb up on a table, or get on your husband’s shoulders until midnight, and step down on the right foot- literally!
- Wear Multi-Colored Underwear for a New Year’s Wish: In Brazil, you must wear colored underwear on New Year’s (yes, under your white clothing, and yes, you will be jumping in the water!). Make sure to choose the color carefully, because they all have different meanings
- Branco (white) = paz e harmonia (peace and harmony)
- Aazul (blue) = tranquilidade e amizade (tranquility and friendship)
- Amarelo (yellow) = dinheiroesorte (money and luck)
- Rosa (pink) = amor (love)
- Vermelho (red) = paixão (passion)
- Laranja (orange) = sucessoprofissional (professional success)
- Verde (green) = saúde (health)
- Roxo (purple) = inspiração (inspiration)
Um Feliz Ano Novo!!
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/eVk94kwfMJ0
- https://blog.pimsleur.com/2018/12/28/brazilian-new-years-eve/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g25360543/new-year-traditions/
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