Ashley Shepherd, Cheryl SherveTracy Stearns-Church, Ciara Stiles, Le Xu

CMST 101 OL 3912Ms.SonandreAug. 6, 2012

“…Brazilians seem to have a deep connection with their countries’ roots. To deny their wedding their countries’ roots would mean that their love for their country is unfounded and unworthy…”(Brazilian Roots & APA 2012).

Certain aspects of American and Brazilian culture are similar; it’s customary to ask the bride-to-be’s father for permission to marry his daughter. However, it’s tradition that the future groom must tame a donkey, an act formally know as Bumba – Meu – Boi.

A Bumba – Meu – Boi is a demonstration of power. As stated by Tamiya King, “This is suppose to show that the groom is manly and capable of protecting his bride” (King 2012). By taming a donkey, the future groom will show his skill, duty, and importance to his future wife as well as his in-laws; in a way he is demonstrating his dominance. Therefore, he is considered a responsible and worthy husband.

According to The Blue Book of Communication Studies, dominance is defined as “Behavior such as relaxed posture, greater personal space, and protected personal space that communicates power, status, and control” (Beebe, Beebe & Ivy 2010).

Rings are exchanged at the engagement and are placed on the right hand of the groom and bride-to-be. They are then placed on the left hand at the ceremony.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are chosen in pairs from the attendees of the wedding – usually 3 pairs on either sideNo matter what their financial status, Brazilian tradition is to have an extravagant, fun-filled celebration of their marriagehttp://thebrazilbusiness.com/article/invited-to-a-

wedding-in-brazil http://www.ehow.com/about_6558100_brazilian-marriage-customs.html

Bad omen for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony.It is very important that the marriage license be signed as soon as possible to seal the marriage—during the ceremonyBrazilians are all about family and they desire to ensure good luck and long marriage.

BRAZILIAN WEDDINGBRAZILIAN WEDDINGTHE LATE ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDETHE LATE ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDE

Brazilian tradition is said to bring good luck , that the bride arrive 10 – 15 minutes after the groom’s appearance (Admin 2010).

Furthermore, it is said the late arrival to the celebration has a more direct meaning. “… a gentle reminder on the organizational hierarchy in your new home” (“Hierarchy and APA” n.d). This subtle reminder is a form of dominance, more specifically power.

According to The Blue Book of Communication Studies, and stated previously. Dominance is “Behavior such as relaxed posture, greater personal space, and protected personal space that communicates power, status, and control” (Beebe, Beebe & Ivy 2010).

Not all would consider an understated, late arrival of the bride to her wedding would indicate a subservient role as a secondary partner. However, it’s customary in Brazilian culture, the male is the breadwinner regardless of the wife’s educational status (Jefferson n.d). This is an example of power and control, dominance. The groom exerts his power over the wife by restricting her to a house wife role.

Brazilian brides wear elaborate white gowns, which they very often rent, mainly for economic reasons, much like the groom rents his tuxedo. She wears gold shoes to signify fortune.

Bridemaids and groomsmen are chosen at the time of the wedding (from the guests – in pairs, usually happily married couples, three on each side, so the bride and groom are surrounded with healthy marriages

http://www.onewed.com/photos/show/brazilian-model-allowed-bridesmaids-to-wear-the-bright-color-of-her-choice-

http://www.capecodjusticeofthepeace.com/BrazilianPage.html

http://wedding.ygoy.com/2010/10/05/brazil-wedding-ceremony-tradition-fun-unlimited/

In traditional weddings the groom will replace his boutonniere with a small Brazilian flag; likewise, the groomsmen will carry small Brazilian flags down the aisle.

This is a symbol of their cultural heritage (Beebe, Beebe, Ivy. 2010)

http://social.eli.ubc.ca/2011/09/13/eli-

fall-travels/brazilian-flag/

SIGNIFICANCE OF SIGNIFICANCE OF RINGSRINGSTraditionally, it’s customary for many cultures to exchange rings,

jewelry or other forms of objects that are symbolic to their relationship. Rings are each engraved – the husband’s with the wife’s name and the wife’s with the husband’s name.An engagement ring is given and worn on the right hand. A wedding ring is placed on the left hand during the ceremony and the engagement ring is then moved from the right hand to the left by touching each finger end to end and sliding it over—never to be fully removed from the hand.Brazilian superstition to never drop the rings during ceremony – means wedding will be doomed (bad luck or will end).

As stated in Brazilian Brides And Grooms Of A Brazilian Marriage, “Another thing not to do at a Brazilian wedding ceremony is to not drop the wedding rings, this is considered to show that your wedding won’t last if this happens when the Brazilian brides and grooms are at the alter” (Wedding Rings & APA 2012).

http://www.viniciusmatos.com.br/portfolio/

http://www.viniciusmatos.co

m.br/portfolio/

• Portugese prayer read in Portugese• Brazilian National Anthem or Brazilian song is

sung after the prayer to mark the occasion

http://www.viniciusmatos.com.br/portfolio/

http://wedding-beauty.com/how-is-celebrated-a-real-brazilian-wedding/

http://wedding.ygoy.com/2010/10/05/brazil-wedding-ceremony-tradition-fun-unlimited/

Hearing the prayer in Portuguese gives a listener the opportunity to experience a ritual as their ancestors did in native tongue. Although some may not understand Portuguese, the importance of the prayer to the Brazilian culture and their efforts to keep their rituals in practice is conveyed. Hearing the sounds of the words as their ancestors did signifies and attaches the meaning and importance of this ritual.

(Beebe, Beebe, Ivy. 2010)

Reception called Padrinhos which means wedding “party”. Is as elaborate as the social class of the bride’s parents, as they typically pay for the wedding.

Pagoda dance – form of Samba dance showing cultural background

Bride takes off her golden shoes and places them in the middle of the dance floor, non-verbally communicating where the gifts go. Culturally, this meaning is understood . Guests place gifts with them, sometimes money.

http://wedding.ygoy.com/2010/10/05/brazil-wedding-ceremony-tradition-fun-unlimited/

Guests are seated at tables that are labeled with Brazilian cities instead of numbers, showing cultural pride.

http://www.viniciusmatos.com.br/portfolio/

http://wedding.ygoy.com/2010/10/05/brazil-wedding-ceremony-tradition-fun-unlimited/

Bride and groom dance first, which is a non-verbal illustrator of the dancing to begin (Beebe, Beebe, Ivy, 2010, p. 96)

http://www.slideshare.net/sayisme/team-brazil-powerpoint-draft-12

Traditionally, the woman is considered weak and subservient to men. Men are considered the authority and strength of the relationship.They are very close to family and keep in contact regularly.

http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Brazil.html

Food: Feijoada: Considered the national dish of Brazil, this is a thick stew of black beans with pieces of beef and pork added to it. It is traditionally prepared in a clay pot. Feijão is Portuguese for Beans.Drinks: Caipirinha – sugar, lime, & Cachaca (subst: vodka)Caipirinha means “person coming from the countryside”Tropical fruits, such as pineapple, coconut, tangerines, peaches, and strawberries serve as the main ingredients

http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/parties/wedding/global-wedding-traditions-brazil#slide-8

http://traditionscustoms.com/wedding-traditions/wedding-traditions-south-america

http://travelingbastards.blogspot.com/2010/07/global-eats-food-of-brazil-feijoada.html

Cookies are called:Casadinhos – “married” (the cookie without sugar coating)Bem Casados – “A wish for a sweet life”, also means “well-married” in Portugese – Symbolizes sweet union of the coupleThese cookies are only served at weddings (no other holiday or celebration). The bread (cookie part represents the bride and groom and the middle is sweet and “holds” the two together. This is a symbol of the union.

http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/parties/wedding/global-wedding-traditions-brazil#slide-8

Brigadeiros (Brazilian Fudge Balls)

http://blushless.com/blog/tag/food/http://leitesculinaria.com/32758/recipes-brigadeiros.html

Wedding favors (small rememberances trinkets or souvenirs) are called Lembrancinhas and are given to guests by the bride—She goes to each table to deliver.

Lembrancinhas

http://www.ehow.com/about_6558100_brazilian-marriage-customs.html

http://traditionscustoms.com/wedding-traditions/wedding-traditions-south-america

http://kandeland.tripod.com/id17.html

Superstition: Upon entering their honeymoon room, the groom carries the bride (to ward off evil spirits that may be lurking around) over the threshold, but right foot first for good luck

http://www.giftypedia.com/Wedding_Traditions_and_Superstitions

http://www.gringoes.com/articles.asp?ID_Noticia=2090

1. Probably as a consequence of the heat, if somebody dies one day, the funeral legally has to be that day. Unless the family wants to pay expensive refrigeration fees.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/22/brazilian-funeral-home-live-streams services_n_786939.html

2. SAO PAULO — A funeral home in Brazil is broadcasting its services live over the Internet, giving some of the millions of Brazilians living abroad the chance to say a final goodbye to their loved ones.

3. The Gonzaga funeral home says it has started streaming video of burials, masses and funeral processions in real time to those who can't make it to the ceremonies. It even provides an online chat room.

4. Funeral home director Eras Gonzaga told The Associated Press on Monday it charges about $60 an hour, depending on the service.

No social events after a funeral in Brazil. ( no drinks or food)—they grieve deeply with much crying

For many Catholics, (which is a major religion in Brazil) they have a special mass that is held 7-15 days after the burial of the deceased; this acts as the final goodbye.

The mass is known as “Missa do semtimo dia”.

• The color of mourning for a funeral in Brazil is “Black”.

• When people pass away in Brazil, the funeral goers usually wear black.

• Women are expected to wear heavy veils and to actively mourn the dead.

What communication concept is being applied, by the bride being late to her own wedding, and why is it important to the Brazilian culture?

Why is the Bumba – Meu – Boi significant to the Brazilians?

What is the mass (reception) called that is held 7-15 days after the funeral?