By: C. Schulter We are officially in Spooky Season! The time of the year where a collective enthusiasm fills us all and turns into people embracing all things eerie, macabre and mysterious. That doesn't annul the lighthearted and playful spirit that comes with this season that allows us to be however we want to be for one night during Halloween, from witches and ghosts to mermaids and princesses, all options are valid if you have fun. Culture plays a vital role in shaping this season according to each one's features and unique characteristics, therefore some of the amazing stories behind the most significant figures of Halloween might vary from country to country. With that being said, this article is going to tell you a little bit more about the different stories behind the Werewolf’s myth.
The legend of the werewolf originated in ancient Greece. At that time, the story told was that the werewolf was a dethroned king called Lycaon, who was punished by Zeus for being cruel and assassinating the travelers that would request shelter at his palace. In order to verify if such cruelty was true, Zeus disguised as a traveler went to Lycaon’s palace and requested shelter in his house. During supper, Zeus realized that out of evilness and pure sadism the king tried to serve him human meat. In all his anger Zeus destroyed the palace and cursed Lycaon by transforming him in a wolf king. An interesting fact about it is that this legend has its place in the psychiatrist field. Lycanthropic syndrome, named after king Lycaon, was the name given to people who thoroughly believe that they can turn into some kind of animal. That’s the Greeks take on the story of this mythical creature that is the werewolf. Now crossing the Atlantic Ocean and coming back to Brazilian ground, where the werewolf is a very important folkloric character, the story about its origin changes drastically. The legend brought by the Portuguese was popularized and shaped according to the different regions in this vast country. Its most popular story is that the werewolf would be the first son of couple that already has seven daughters, or the son of a woman that had affairs with a priest. The legend says that when these boys turn thirteen the curse begins, and every full moon phase at mid-night they would transform into a creature half man and half wolf, that goes around seeking for blood. The werewolf story is strongly based upon Catholicism, some of the strands of this myth in Brazil say that the werewolf would go after children that were not baptized, which would make people baptize their children, and some say that the only way to kill a werewolf is with a bullet dipped in candle wax from the altar of a church that had celebrated three Midnight Masses. In both stories werewolves are hideous creatures, scary and spooky just like our season. There are still many other cultures with the most interesting stories about this significant figure, and if curious, it is highly recommended to you, dear reader, to research further in such a fun topic. I would like to conclude this article by wishing you the best of times, may this be spookiest season of them all.
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By: A. Lotufo You’ve definitely heard your parents tell you that your phone is the source of all your problems, including your motivation. But what would we notice if we didn’t take this advice for granted?
Every day, phones become are increasingly addicting with their developing technology. And we are in the middle of all of it – we are facing the age of information technology, where phones will basically be a part of our everyday lives forever. According to the University of North Dakota, cell phones are a regular item in people’s everyday lives but “that attachment can become problematic”. They also say that “FoMO” (fear of missing out), can be related to the motivational factors. Many people just scroll on TikTok, Instagram and other social medias while hours go by, and their motivation suddenly goes down. Why finish my homework when I can procrastinate and just watch Netflix instead? The more you stay online the more you will want to stay online. So, all you can do is try your best to stay away from your phone (or even add time limits if you want) and try to occupy yourself with different things. If you’re into reading, this is your sign to start reading that book you wanted. If you’re into drawing, why not take an art class? The more you stay away from electronic devices, the more your motivation will be boosted. However, balance is essential and over-occupying might lead to burn out. Sometimes all you need is to find a passion and head towards it. By: J. Pastore
Manioca por Helena Rizzo: Besides her notorious restaurant “Mani”, another of the chef’s gems is Manioca. The restaurant promises an enticing journey through Brazil’s rich flavors and culinary artistry. Located on the top level of shopping Iguatemi, the restaurants inviting ambience and service complements to the enchanting experience of the restaurant itself, and with each dish comes an elusive blend of locally sourced ingredients with the intention of embracing Rizzo’s Brazilian roots. Whether you are looking for a spot to eat after/during work or for a Sunday family lunch, I’d always recommend Manioca as a first option for every occasion. Make sure you try the fries while you’re at it, they will not disappoint! Tasca do Zé e da Maria: This restaurant is truly a culinary revelation. It’s a small restaurant with a large variety of amazing dishes. Don’t let its location fool you. From an enriching ‘bacalhau’ to a diverse display of ‘salgadinhos fritos’(a must have for all Brazilians), ‘Tasca do Zé e Maria’ captures the essence of Brazilian and Portuguese culinary and culture within the São Paulo dining scene. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere is unmatched, and it's definitely the best recommendation for all your late family Sunday lunches – speaking from experience. Caracolla: For all vegetarian readers, this place is for you (and for everyone!). Hidden within the hub of Vila Nova Conceição, ‘Caracolla’ dominates the cozy elegant aesthetic tucked away from the São Paulo hustle. It’s a recent finding of mine, but from all the visits since then, I consider it one of my go to. A dish that already keeps its place in my heart is the divine carrot hummus. Think of a staple piece that pairs with everything, and then reduce this thought to that of a carrot hummus. Besides the hummus, take a chance with the vegetarian pesto spaghetti. You won’t regret it. Truly a gastronomic adventure with all the flavors that each dish offers, Patricia Helu really knotted the dining experience in an innovative approach. Ella Fitz: With the rising restaurant scene in pinheiros, Ella fitz is no exception from this growth. The restaurant encompasses the world of jazz – Ella Fitzgerald being the restaurant’s inspiration - with the world of culinary, nurturing a blend of art and flavor. Each dish is an experience you delve in, flawlessly presented and constructed. The restaurant takes on an kind of industrialized look and approach, very much New York inspired, which adds on to its creativeness and modern ambience. The Lasanheta de Vitelo, the house’s most sold item on the menu, does not disappoint. If you are looking for a restaurant that embraces a vintage charm, which also takes into account a modern and sophisticated look, this is definitely the place for you. Miado: Her sixth restaurant and counting, Miado, is Renata Vanzetto’s most recent addition to her list of illustrious establishments. With an appeal to Asian food, Miado embraces both an oriental and Brazilian culinary style. I’d say its best to go with a partner or a group of friends since it encompasses a more youthful crowd. There’s a lot of favorites on the menu to choose from, but best to stay close to the bao buns and the crispy rice. Consider going to Miado on a brisk Friday night to immerse yourself in a world of modernity and gastronomic delight, always paired with impeccable service. By: I. Krakowiak
Brazilian mythology is the subset of Brazilian folklore with cultural elements of diverse origin found in Brazil, comprising folk tales, traditions, characters and beliefs regarding places, people, and entities. The famous legend of Iara, based on the ancient Tupi and Guarani mythology, my personal favorite, is a very famous Brazilian folklore. A story that developed and spread through various indigenous tribes in the northern region of Brazil, especially in the Amazon. Iara is a mermaid of captivating beauty, long black silky hair and brown eyes, whose name translates to: ‘the one who lives in the waters’. The legend tells us that Iara is the daughter of a shaman (“pajé”), and was known for being an excellent warrior, however, her beauty and skills rose envy between her brothers, so they plotted to kill her. Being the great fighter she is, Iara resisted and ended up killing all her brothers. Fearing her father’s reaction, she ran away, as far as she could, but he still found her. The shaman decided to punish her by throwing her where into the ‘Encontro das águas’. She was eventually saved by the fish in the river. During a starry full moon night, Iara became half human, half fish, embodying her true self and her true beauty. When fishermen travelling through the waters of the Amazon see Iara, their fate is sealed. The mermaid seduces them using her charm and undeniable beauty, luring them to the bottom of the river, where they ultimately drown. Iara stands for ‘A mãe das águas’, this name was given to her because of her of the power she holds by prtect8ing the river from fisherman on the search for wildlife. Brazilian legends are of great importance to Brazilian culture. These stories are told around the nations and even around the world, because of this Brazilian culture is able to spread around the world, gain credit, encourage inquiry and even influence others. By: N. Thomas Ever wanted to travel around Brazil but didn’t know where to go? Well lucky you, because in this article you are going to find out the best places to go to during your travels! You want to go to the beach? We got you! Don’t really like the sand, prefer a more urban environment? We got you! And if you are interested in a more tropical environment, guess what. We got you! First on our list we’ve got the island with the most beautiful beaches in the world, these are soft sand beaches with the most transparent water you will ever see, plus they are packed with wildlife! You guessed it, Fernando de Noronha. Winning an amazing 5 times ‘The most beautiful beach in the world’, the Praia do Sancho is a must-see destination! Its enormous rocky cliffs full of birds is a guarantee to take your breath away, as if that wasn’t enough ou are surrounded by vast amounts of water which is as blue as it gets. The only way arrive at this beach is through a steep ladder that goes straight down a massive rock, this is a mad and unforgettable experience. If you prefer big cities with a more agitated lifestyle, then São Paulo is the place to go. This massive city is full of activities to complete, for example, Parque Ibirapuera, this marvelous park is the most visited in Latin America! You can ride bikes, go for a walk, plan a picnic on the grass, or just enjoy the view under the hot sunshine. Another place you cannot miss is MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo), this famous art museum is full of beautiful exhibitions. Paintings from artists like Tarsila do Amaral, Pisha Hena, Sandro Botticelli and more, have made an appearance at MASP. Don’t like beaches, don’t like big cities either and want to visit the heart of Brazil? Then the Amazon Rainforest is the place to go! This is the worlds biggest rainforest with the largest biodiversity you can find, huge waterfalls, beautiful landscapes, amazing animals, and more. The Jaú National Park is an unmissable destination, with more than 5.6 million acres, it has around 120 mammal species, 455 birds, 150 reptiles, and over 280 types of fish! The national park protects the Jaú river watershed, so not only can you explore on land, but you can also explore on water. As you can see, Brazil is a magnificent place full of things to do, from jungles to beaches to cities. Brazil will touch your heart, your mind, and your soul. |
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