Brazil is a country that includes people from many different countries. Many of it's Christmas customs come from Portugal because it was under Portugal for many years. And some of their customs also come from the US or the Uk, as well. Brazil celebrates Christmas on December 25th as one of it's most important festive days.To boost its economy, it is common to receive the 13th salary for the month, in Brazil. This has gone on for many years. Wouldn't we love our country to take up this practice?
Many Nativity Scenes are set up in churches and homes during the Christmas Season. They are called Presepio. On Christmas Eve, many devout Catholics attend Midnight Mass or "Missa do Galo."
Homes are beautifully decorated and Christmas trees are put up around the country. The most popular Christmas Carol in Brazil is "Silent Night" or "Noite Feliz." and is among other songs that are sung about the birth of Christ.Many of its Christmas customs were brought here by immigrants from other countries.
Their Santa Claus is called Papa or Father Noel and as the legend goes, lives in Greenland. As in the United States, Papa Noel wears a red fur coats and boots and carried a bag with lots of gifts. He visits the homes of good children on Christmas Eve and they wake up to go look for what he has left them.
In some families, children will leave a sock by the window and if Papa Noel finds it, he will exchange it for a gift.
One popular tradition is being a Secret Santa or a Secret Friend. Participants give their Secret Friend small gifts throughout the month of December using a pretend name and then reveal themselves on Christmas day.
The traditional Christmas meal consists of turkey, vegetables and fruits. Rice cooked with raisins, fresh salads, and pork could also be serv Popular deserts are Milian Fruitcake, Brlgaderio (Chocolate truffles and Beijinho de Coco. (Coconut Truffles)
Follow this link for recipes: 24 Traditional Brazilian Foods You Need To Eat Right Now
The one thing about Christmas in Brazil is that it is hot there. Really Have you ever seen Santa Claus walking around in shorts and sandals? Well, according to my kids that live in Florida, they do there. Now how do you like that? Two of my children, born and raised in a state that has snow and cold during Christmas, would meet their future mates there, marry them and move there. And actually, want to live where it is warm on Christmas day? I am just kidding. The fact is, many people just do not like the cold weather at any time of the year. And I don't really blame them.\
However, I have lived in a state that has the snow and cold for all of my 60 plus years and for me, Christmas would never quite be the same without it.
Oh, I know. The cold and snow are not what the birth of Christ is all about. And It is about a baby that came into the world to then grow up to die for us. It is only his birth that makes all the difference. And even if I ever had to move from a cold snowy Christmas to a warm one, it would be fine because Jesus is the difference. Without His birth, there would be nothing but whatever else humans can dream up. And really, what kind of real peace and joy is in that? A Savior was born. Yes, indeed. That is Who made all the difference.
Yesterday's question about the 12 days of Christmas was What do the Seven Swans Swimming symbolize in the carol?
Answer: Day 7 December 31, New Years Eve. Pope Sylvester 1, one of the earliest popes was celebrated on this day. It was a day for sporting events such as Archery etc. (read more about this on
The 12 Days of Christmas -- Christmas Customs and Traditions -- whychristmas?com)
Tomorrows Question: What are the Eight Maids-a milking in the song?
Thanks for stopping by Friends. I pray you are having a "Blessed Christmas Season!" and please come back tomorrow!
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