The legend of Saci-pererê is considered one of the most emblematic of Brazilian folklore.
O Saci-pererê, or simply sati, is a mischievous black boy, who smokes a pipe and carries a red cap that grants him magical powers.
One of the important characteristics of this character is that he has only one leg.
The history of Saci-pererê
Saci-pererê is a very mischievous character who has fun playing with animals and people.
His main antics are braiding the hair of animals at night, making objects disappear (like the thimbles of seamstresses), and also whistling very shrill to scare the travelers.
Legend has it that he often gets in the way of the cooks' work, changing the salt and sugar containers or making them burn the food.
In addition to its antics, it is important to note that the Saci dominates the woods and, therefore, has another function called "pharmacopoeia”.
Thus, Saci is the guardian of herbs and medicinal plants. He knows their handling and preparation techniques, as well as their use regarding medicines made from plants.
In many regions of Brazil, Saci is considered a evil character, as he guards and takes care of the sacred herbs present in the forest and also tends to disturb and confuse people who collect them without authorization.
The legend guarantees that to capture the Saci-pererê, one must throw a sieve into the eddies of wind. Thus, after capturing him, it is necessary to remove his cap to lock him in a bottle.
It is believed that Saci was born from a bamboo shoot, remaining there until he was seven years old and, after that period, he lives another seventy-seven practicing his mischief among humans and animals.
Finally, upon dying, the Saci becomes a poisonous mushroom.
The origin of Saci-pererê
Originating in the Indian tribes from southern Brazil, the legend of Saci-pererê has existed since the end of colonial times.
The term "Saci" comes from the Tupi term sa'si which represents the name of a bird. This bird is known by the names “Saci”, “Matimpererê” or “Martim-pererê”, in Tupi: matentape're.
It is told in all Brazilian regions and, therefore, the story changes depending on the location. In some places this character has different names such as: Saci-Cererê, Matimpererê, Matita Perê, Saci-Saçurá and Saci-Trique.
Initially, Saci was portrayed as a demonic black character who had two legs and a tail.
From the African influence, he lose your leg fightingcapoeira and acquires the habit of smoking the pito, that is, the pipe.
The red hat of the Saci-pererê, in turn, comes from the folklore of northern Portugal. It was used by the legendary Goblin who possessed supernatural powers.
Folklore Quiz
Get to know other folk legends too:
- Legends of Brazilian Folklore
- legend of Curupira
- Legend of Matinta Pereira
- legend of cuca
- legend of Iara
- Legend of the headless mule
- Legend of the Golden Mother
- bogeyman legend
- Werewolf legend
- Legend of Negrinho do Pastoreio
