Recently, it celebrated the Folklore Day in Brazil. More specifically, on the last August 22nd, Brazilians were able to remember this part of the national culture. Most citizens have certainly heard of Saci Pererê, Curupira, Caipora or Kuka. But, after all, where did all this come from?
First, it is necessary to clarify the Meaning of the term Folklore. The word means a set of knowledge, customs, beliefs, tales, myths and legends. It can also be translated into songs, dances and popular festivals of a culture and region.
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60 Myths and Legends from Brazil and the World – Folklore Characters…
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In other words, the Brazilian folklore refers to the country's own culture. However, its use frequently refers to Brazilian legends and myths.
The term was coined in 1846 by the English archaeologist William John Thoms. He was a scholar of popular culture. The word united the term “folk”, which in English means people (popular) and “lore”, which means culture/knowledge. Therefore, folklore is "popular culture".
Date is celebrated in other countries too
In August 1965, the date, which is celebrated all over the world, became part of the Brazilian calendar. It was created to highlight the importance and appreciation of folkloric manifestations in the country, according to data released by Agência Brasil.
Who doesn't remember the nursery rhymes? characters like curupira, caipora and so many other figures, all the fruit of popular imagination. Some were immortalized in literary works, dramaturgy and cinema.
Have you ever heard of the Uirapuru (name of some birds) that inspired an indigenous myth about a beautiful love story? From the charming Yara, the beautiful Indian who sleeps in the Victoria Regia and does everyone love it?
- 20 Typical foods from Brazilian folklore – Traditional recipes from Brazil
- 60 Myths and Legends from Brazil and the World – Characters from Brazilian and World Folklore
Religiosity, beliefs and faith, tales, poems and poems are also part of Brazilian Folklore. In addition, it also reflects aspects of the indigenous cultures, African and European.
Renato Almeida, Mário de Andrade and Luís da Câmara Cascudo are some of the scholars of this popular manifestation. Among the writers, Ariano Suassuna and Clarice Lispector portrayed aspects of folklore in texts and books. They underscore the richness and importance of our culture's stories.
