Author: WCPSS

Christmas in Brazil

Making a nativity scene or “presepium” in a Christmas tradition in Brazil. “Presepium” is a Hebrew word to describe the straw bed of Jesus. Making the nativity scene was first introduced in the 17th century. Today, Presepio displays are built in December and displayed proudly in homes, storefronts, and churches. Brazil shares with Mexico a love of the folk play “Los Pastores” or “The Shepherds.” The Brazilian version of the play has a few twists: shepherdesses instead of shepherds and suspense when a gypsy plots to kidnap baby Jesus. In Brazil, Papai Noel delivers Christmas gifts. Legend has it that Papai Noel lives in Greenland and wears silk clothes when he comes to Brazil to stay cool in the summer heat. Christmas night in Brazil is a time of celebration, as fireworks light up city skylines and the lights of Christmas trees can be seen for miles around.

A presepio display for Christmas.

Circle the name of the capital city. Trace the Amazon River. Underline the name of the ocean to the East.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Did you know that the Amazon River in northern Brazil is the second longest river on earth. It’s 4, 250 miles long!
Thousands of species live in it including the piranha and the boto, or pink river dolphin.

Life in Brazil

In Brazil, family is very important. They spend a lot of time together and depend on each other. Children have great respect for their parents. In most families, they eat lunch together every day and talk about everything from politics to sports.
Children go to school four hours and day and wear uniforms that include t-shirts with their school name. A traditional pastime is Queimada, a game of tag that is played in two teams. Jump rope, cards games, and checkers are other favorites.

Popular Foods in Brazil
Feijoada: A stew of backs beans and different meats, traditionally served with rice and oranges.
Bolos are among the most popular desserts. Bolos are similar to cakes and come in a wide variety of flavors and with many different fillings. Some of the most popular ones are: bolo pretigio (made with chocolate, milk cream, and coconut), bolo de manracuja (made with passion fruit), bolo de laranja (made with orange), bolo de banana, and bolo de denoura (made with carrots, chocolate, and butter).
Interesting Facts
Brazil is the largest country in South America, and the fifth largest nation in the world. People in Brazil speak Portugese. Soccer is the number one sport. Swimming and volleyball are also popular at Brazil’s beautiful beaches.
Brazilians playing a professional
soccer game.

The largest rainforest in the world is in the Amazon River basin. Tropical rainforests have tall trees, warm climates, and lots of rain. Rainforests are home to many animals and plant species. They need to be protected.