New Years' traditions

‘It’s the little differences’ is what they say…and it’s true. That’s also what makes living in Brazil a little difficult at times. You don’t expect the differences any more, because so much is so similar. In India or Nigeria I was constantly on the lookout for strange things and at some point I had accepted that everything was different. In Brazil things can be more deceiving; things look so normal, but then…

I guess New Years Eve is an important evening in most countries around the world, but I have to say that nothing beats the Brazilians! Being Dutch, traditions in general are not that important to me and for New Years Eve we actually have none. My first New Years Eve in Brazil was therefore a real revelation, because in the country of Samba even the colour of your underwear counts!

The traditions and superstitions are endless and change a little depending on the region. An important ritual everywhere is to offer flowers to Iemanjá, the goddess of the water in the Brazilian Umbanda religion. The flowers can be white, yellow or red, depending on your wishes and are thrown into the sea. For the rest there are some specific things you can do to help you along in the New Year like eat a pomegranate (for money), eat a spoonful of lentils or seven grapes (for prosperity), jump seven waves in a row (for good luck) or jump on one leg or on a chair (I forgot where that was for). And, whatever you do, always keep money in your pocket when the clock strikes twelve or you will not have money at all in the year to come.

I was horribly unprepared for these New Years traditions. During the Christmas celebrations with my Brazilian boyfriend’s family I was asked what colour dress I would wear. ‘Huh?’ Maybe it was my Portuguese (it happens). But really, what colour dress you wear, makes all the difference. And not only the colour of your dress counts, also the colour of your underwear. Everybody buys new underwear for the occasion, because…you guessed it…that brings good luck too! You can choose your colour according to your wishes:

Blue is for power, action and force

Pink is for love, understanding, conciliation and attraction.

Gold (or Silver) is for wisdom and prosperity.

Yellow is the same as gold and it also stimulates creativity.

White, the most popular one by far, brings harmony, peace and stability.

Red brings passionate love and desire.

Green is for vitality, positive energy and good health.

Most people wore white, silver and blue, while I was in black, with some colours like orange and pink. For inner peace I was wearing brand new white underwear. I jumped seven waves on the beach in Florianopolis and I kissed my boyfriend at midnight. I even made a wish to Iemanjá, after throwing myself (Flor = Flower in Portuguese) in the sea. I guess the differences are only as big as you make them and I’ll find my way; Brazilian traditions with a Dutch touch.