Brazilian Superstitions and Myths

In my opinion, one of the most interesting parts of learning about another culture is hearing the superstitions and myths the people believe in.

In Brazil they share many of the same superstitions that we do here in the United States:

• Horseshoes bring good luck.
• Breaking a mirror is bad luck and indicates a cursed or unfortunate future.
• Walking under a ladder brings misfortune.

However, Brazilians have also have some superstitions that we don't:

• Never take a broom with you when you move. Throw it out and buy a new one.
• Never leave your purse on the floor, otherwise you will lose your money and become poor.
• White butterflies bring good luck
• Also, many Brazilians wear white on Fridays

While most Brazilian myths are centered around specific characters, like Anhanguera (their equivalent of the devil), some of the folktales' tell stories of the animals we will be seeing in the Pantanal. For example, the giant anteater is generally characterized as a trickster and a foil to the jaguar. The Jaguar is a symbol of power and strength, but can often fall victim to hubris, a consistent theme in literature worldwide. It is interesting to read how these two animals are opposite in many ways, diet, locomotion, reproduction, yet similar in others; both animals are adept killers.

I can't wait to hear other Brazilian myths and folklore when we are in country!

~ Megan Good

Sources:

http://blog.londolozi.com/2012/08/the-pantanal-series-walking-with-a-giant-anteater/

http://www.mangolanguages.com/culture/brazilian-culture-superstitions/

http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/11/26/most-common-superstitions-in-brasil/

http://www.superstitionsof.com/brazil-superstitions.htm