Folk Day: 7 Brazilian Legends to Celebrate Our Culture

On August 22nd is celebrated National Folklore Day, in which we remember the legends that helped to compose the history of our country. Most of these mystical creatures were born through indigenous causes, but miscegenation with Africans and Europeans also contributed to our having a very wide and varied range of creatures that permeate the popular imagination. Let's remember some of them?

1. Saci-pererê

Probably the best-known folk figure in Brazil, Saci-pererê was probably born from the indigenous causes of the South and Southeast of the country. It is so important that it has its own festive day: October 31st, although many prefer to import Halloween on that date. The saci is described as a one-legged black boy who usually pranks with his magic hood - his specialty is to chase away horses and get people lost on the trails.

According to legend, it usually appears in swirls of dust and leaves. And if you can remove your hood, you will have a wish. But would you mess with a face like that? Another detail is that if he is chasing you, just throw a thread or a shoelace full of knots that Saci will feel obliged to stop and untie them before continuing the chase.

2. Headless Mule

Like many legends, the Headless Mule probably emerged as a way of giving morale to the crowd. In this one, it is said that a young woman who had a relationship with a priest ended up being cursed and turning the Mule, who roams villages looking for eyes, nails and fingers. Brrrr ......

She is described as an animal that gives fire by the neck, although some people swear that the Mule does have a head and that gives fire by the mouth and nose. If she is stalking you, the ideal is to close your eyes and hide your hands, so that she does not see exactly what she likes to eat.

3. Curupira

Another prankster of our folklore, the Curupira is sometimes called Caipora, Caiçara and Bushman. Its main function is to protect the woods, and for that, it often leaves confusing footprints - it has its feet turned backwards - that can distract those who do not respect nature.

The first reports of sightings of Curupira date from the Brazilian colonization! Since that time, it has been common for explorers - and especially the Indians - to enter the forests with offerings to Curupira, a boy's dwarf with long red hair the color of fire. To win it, you must have a rope smoke with you and offer in case of any encounter. In addition, you should also take good care of wild animals and woods so as not to suffer from their pranks.

4. Boitatá

Probably the oldest indigenous legend in Brazil, having even been described by José de Anchieta in 1560, the history of Boitatá tells about a fire snake that protects and kills those who disrespect animals and forests. Despite being made of fire, with big eyes, this cobona lives in the bottom of the rivers waiting to take action.

The origin of Boitatá probably lies in the wisp phenomenon, which occurs in marshes and marshes when sparks and flashes emanate from the waters through tale of the bedrock. Going back to the legend, they say that if the Boitatá doesn't burn you to death, he can make you crazy or blind if he looks you straight in the eye.

5 and 6. Boto and Iara

Two similar legends, but with variations of gender: the boto is an Amazonian legend that tells the story of an animal that comes out of the waters of the rivers to become a very handsome boy and to conquer the women in festivities, mainly the juninas. Then he disappears and makes them pregnant - which is why, especially in northern Brazil, children born to unknown parents are often called daughters of Boto.

Already the Iara is the Tupiniquim version of the mermaid, a young girl who comes out of the rivers to delight men and take them to the bottom of the water and then devour them. It is a universal legend, which in Brazil has reports since the 16th century! Often depicted as a beautiful mermaid, the Iara can also assume a complete feminine form and draws attention by the wonderful singing.

7. Herding Negrinho

When a faithful Catholic loses something, it is common for him to ask St. Longuinho's help to find it. Besides him, Negrinho do Pastoreio is a mixed entity of African and Christian cultures that also helps those who have lost something.

His legend says that he was a very dedicated slave, but unintentionally lost one of the horses he had taken to pasture. Its owner, a very evil boss, decided to take revenge on the Black Man: the child was beaten and thrown naked over an anthill. The next day, the man found the child alive and unmarked, riding a bay horse beside Our Lady.

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