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Carnival History

Warding off the Angry Spirits

The African slaves brought to construct the new colonies in Brazil brought with them many ancient traditions and suppositions. One of those was the parading around the villages in masks and costumes to ward of the "angry" spirits of recently passed relatives. They were made from many natural objects found and constructed every year.

One of the most important parts was the use feathers. These are a symbol of humans being able to rise above problems and ills that we had in this world and to start a new in the new world. Feathers in the Brazilian Carnival play a huge part in the design of the headdresses worn by the participants in Rio de Janeiro.

I'll get it done after Carnival!

It is the feeling of a new beginning that really captures the spirit of carnival in Brazil that has been adopted by all Brazilians. It is a new beginning for many people.

It is a time to rejoice and relax and have a great time and forget about the worries that are with them during the year. Many joke that Carnival is really the Brazilian New Year as it is used as a reference for things that need to be done in the months ahead.

Brazilian Travel Agency No: 31633.00.41-3 | Australian Travel Agency No: 2TA5549 | Copyright Unlimited Travel 2005