When I tell people that I am Brazilian, they likely say the same thing: “Brazil? Soccer, Carnaval, women”. Well, there is so much more that my country has to offer. We are one of the most diverse nations, socially and environmentally. I could spend hours writing about the Amazon and other natural beauties that shape our country. However, I have decided to take a different take on why Brazil has such a strong and beautiful culture. Here are some of our most unique – and maybe weird – Brazilian superstitions:
1. Cutting your Hair According to the Moon.
Many Brazilians believe that the Moon has a direct effect on your hair. For many, this is a science. The “theory” behind it is that as the Moon impacts the oceans, it also impacts everything else, including our hair. Every moon phase has a supposed effect on your hair. Therefore, people cut their hair according to the moon phase that represents their desire.
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New Moon is the time for change and innovation. If you want to try a new style, you should cut your hair at this phase.
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Crescent Moon helps your hair grow faster. If you seek longer and healthier hair, this is the moment to get a haircut.
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Waning Moon is the one that helps recover unhealthy, weak hair. The hair tends to grow slowly, but in a much healthier manner than any other moon phase.
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Full Moon is the best phase for those seeking more volume to the hair. If your hair seems flat and dull, getting it cut on a full moon will help to shape it better.
2. Loira do Banheiro (The Blonde in the Bathroom)
One of the children’s worst fears. Loira do Banheiro (which translates to The Blonde in the Bathroom) is a spirit that solely wears white, even though you can see blood on her dressings. Legend says that she wonders on schools’ bathrooms, and if you call her name three times in front of a mirror, she will show up. Clearly, this is not true. However, ask any Brazilian child about her, and you will undoubtedly spot the fear on their eyes.
3. Your Panties can Determine your Future.
On New Year’s Eve, most Brazilians wear white clothing. An African religion called Candomblé first started this tradition, which nowadays is frequent to most people in the country. The color white, that represents peace, dominates this date. However, people choose their underwear color according to their wishes for the following year. Yep, that is right. Each color represents an integral part of life that you want to focus on shortly. For instance, if you desire passion, you should wear red underwear, whereas love comes to those who wear the color pink. If you want money, yellow is your color; and green is the color of those seeking health.
4. São Longuinho can help you find lost objects.
São Longuinho is a Catholic saint. However, most people know him as the entity that finds whatever it is you have lost. Whenever something is lost, Brazilians turn to him for help. It is simple. You say, “São Longuinho São Longuinho, if I find the object, I will jump three times.” Once you find it, you jump as a way of thanking the Saint for his help.
5. Many things can provoke unexpected death.
The list of things that allegedly cause death is immense and could be an article by itself. Well, I will share some of the most common ones. The most classic superstition of this kind is that leaving your flip flops upside down will cause your mother’s death. Opening an umbrella inside the house will cause yours. Cutting the tag from your clothes while you wear them also leads to death. Taking a shower after eating is also prohibited. Can you guess why? And if you don’t cover the mirrors when there is a thunderstorm, lighting can reflect in a mirror and kill someone inside the house. No, I am not kidding.
Of course, all these superstitions are common sayings in Brazil and obviously not real. However, after hearing them so many times, you wonder why so many people genuinely believe in them. I have to admit, it is always surprising when I talk about them to my American friends, and they have no clue what I mean. I have heard them so many times that I started to believe in some of them – even knowing that they are completely weird and unreal.