Monday, November 1, 2010

Bread From God Day

Today the girls got to participate in a Portuguese tradition called Pão-por-Deus (or “Bread from God”). Kids go around to all the neighborhood doors before noon and say “Pão-por-Deus” to get little breads, candy, fruit, nuts, or other goodies.  {Sound familiar to a night time activity in America?} It’s a holiday--All Saints Day--today so everyone is at home.

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I’ve heard some variations on the origins and meaning of this day. The girls’ teacher said it’s a time we’re thankful for the harvest. My language teacher said traditionally it was a day to give food to the poor who came to your door. Wikipedia says the tradition started after the November 1st earthquake that devastated Lisbon in 1755.  Maybe it’s a little bit of all of that!

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Our girls decorated bags for the occasion in their kindergarten last week. Pears, apples and grapes are the main agricultural products in this region.

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The girls only made it a few feet in the door before they were organizing all their loot. We really had a great time being together, meeting new people and seeing neighbors. I’m definitely up for trading frightening costumes coming to my door and all that kind of stuff for this!

3 comments:

  1. I LOVE this tradition! It's so much better than Halloween, but still incorporates visiting your neighbors for treats!

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  2. Always such an interesting read. So glad we can keep up with you here and learn a little something too. BTW, the girls are precious. Blessings, Emily

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  3. How fun! I would much rather have little breads than all the candy my kids got. And what adorable girls you have!!!

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