customs

__//**History and Culture** //__ **__A short history__**

The name "Portugal" derives from a Roman or pre-Roman settlement called Portus Cale (the modern city of Porto) near the mouth of the Douro River. The Romans referred to this region as the province of Lusitania, and the prefix //Luso// (meaning "Portuguese") is still used in some contexts. In the ninth century, during the reconquest (714–1140 C.E. ), Christian forces dominated the area between the Minho River, which forms the border of modern Portugal in the north, and the Douro River, and the region became known as //Territorium Portucalense.// Portuguese is a Romance language with Latin roots, although some words are Arabic in origin. Emerging as a language distinct from Latin and Castilian in the ninth century, Portuguese was made the official language under King Dinis (1279–1325). In the fifteenth century, the Portuguese inaugurated the Age of Discovery and for three centuries built and expanded a seaborne empire. The loss of Brazil in 1822 and a series of economic and political crises led to a decline in the world position of the nation in the nineteenth century. The monarchy was eliminated in 1910 with the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic, which was replaced by the authoritarian dictatorship of António Salazar in 1926. Salazar formed his New State ( //Estado Novo// ) in 1932 on a corporatist political model and emphasized God, family, and work as the central values of the national culture. He emphasized the Catholic faith, promoted humility, routine, and respect for authority as guiding principles of social life. Read more: [|Culture of Portugal - history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family] [|http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Portugal.html#ixzz1f9FDI2Dk]

__** The People **__ A recently-arrived population of immigrants, most from former colonies in Africa and Asia, has introduced some ethnic diversity, particularly in the Lisbon metropolitan area. These populations are residentially segregated in neighborhoods with poor housing and a general absence of public amenities. They are subjected to a form of subtle racism within a society that views itself as anti-racist. Portugal's gypsy population, estimated at about 100,000, offers another element of ethnic diversity. The gypsies live apart, and primarily in the south. They can often be found at rural markets selling clothing and handicrafts. Portugal also has small Protestant and Jewish communities, largely composed of foreigners.



The people of Portugal are welcoming, hospitable, relaxed, and open, reflecting their cultural values. Their eye gaze and touch are also open and friendly. The proximity of personal space is much closer and intimate. There are certain gender status characteristics that are common in the Portuguese culture. The men are normally more informal compared to the women.



 The members of villages outside of the cities still dress in traditional Portuguese clothing. These styles include berets and loose-fitting clothing for the men, and shawls for the women. The Portuguese in these rural areas are most noted for the “capucha,” a hooded, and the “patocas,” a rain cape

__**Holidays ** __



 June 13th is recognized as St. Anthony’s Day, St. Anthony representing those who lose things, or a patron of animals. St. Anthony was born in Portugal in 1195 and the Portuguese celebrate him by allowing the young members of the community to dance in the streets and decorate the town with flowers, candles and images of him to represent his life. The children also run through the streets on the eve of this day begging for coins in his name (The Folklore of World Holidays, 1998, 387).





The most important holiday celebrated by the Portuguese is Christmas on December 25th, called Christmas in Vila Vehla. On this special day women sit in the center of the church, while men sit on the outskirts, the most prominent men sitting in the front pews. The ceremony in the church is concluded when the priest holds up an image of the baby Jesus so the congregation can kiss him. Once completed the members of the church reside to their own homes for a traditional Christmas dinner, strictly a family affair (The Folklore of World Holidays, 1998, 751)