Jisu Song / Assignment 3_Special occasion / Tuesday 11 a.m.

Easter in Brazil

201001709 Jisu Song

 

Easter is celebrated worldwide, but have you ever wondered how Brazilians would prepare the day? As Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world, it is widely celebrated all over the country. On that day, people remember Jesus Christ's resurrection and strengthen religious beliefs. For this, many ceremonies and dishes are prepared.

Few days before Easter, Brazilians hold the Holy Week rituals. Streets are decorated with colorful patterns. On that colored road, an event carrying statues of Mary and the body of Jesus Christ called the procession walk is held. Also, people weave palm branches with patterns symbolizing crosses, banners, letters and other objects for the blessing of the palm branches ceremony. A lot of people pour out into the streets to involve in the ritual.

During Brazilian Easter holidays, a special peanut candy named Pacoca is enjoyed. It's often sold in supermarkets, but home-made Pacocas are the true sweets from the heart. To make a Pacoca, first, grind peanuts, brown sugar, and flour together. Second, add sweetened condensed milk and roll the paste into a ball. Remember to slowly pour the condensed milk until you get the desired softness. Then, put the mixture on a prepared pan and heat it for 1 to 2 hours. Next, take out the candy and cut it into pieces so that children can eat easily. Finally, decorate the candy with chopped peanuts to make it look more mouthwatering. Now you are ready to enjoy a sweet holiday.

After all the preparation, people go to church to commemorate Jesus Christ's resurrection from death. They bring Marcela flowers, which are worshipped by Catholics because they only bloom in that period, to receive blessing from the priest. After the service, the flowers are also used as herbs. People gather and enjoy special food like Pacoca or chocolate Easter eggs when the ceremony is over.

Since 90% of Brazilians are Catholics, Easter is largely celebrated in the country. People eat special food, go to church, and enjoy parades. They also sing, dance, and march to commemorate Christ's resurrection. On the day, they become devout Catholics with strong religious beliefs by remembering Jesus's sacrifice.