Saturday, June 13, 2009

Santo António's Day


 
Oeiras Summer Fair

Saint Anthony of Lisbon is the matchmaker. Boys are supposed to offer their girlfriends potted 'manjericos' (basil 'greek'/ocimum basilicum minimum) decorated with paper carnations and small flags with popular quotes. On the night of the 12th street parties take place at the most typical neighbourhoods in the Lisbon area until Dawn.

22 comments:

Leif Hagen said...

JM - Lovely photo. I didn't know about that tradition. What a fun idea. Can girls give one to a boy? Did you give or receive a "Manjericos?" Kind regards from EAGAN daily photo

brattcat said...

What a great tradition, what a super set of photographs. I'd love to receive one of these little pots!

Dina said...

A sweet custom and such a cheerful photo.
The Franciscans in Jerusalem are also celebrating their saint's day today.
Happy Santo Antonio's Day!

Hilda said...

So bright and cheerful! And a fun custom — perfect for shy boys ;)

B SQUARED said...

Interesting custom.

Lois said...

What a fun and sweet tradition! I love all that color in your pictures JM. Very pretty!

Eki said...

what an intersting tradition!

same questions as Leif's. can a girl give it to a boy?

Sharon said...

A very interesting custom that I had never heard of before.

Lowell said...

Well, it doth look like fun...some old traditions just go to pot, you know!

That is the chicken said...

This is fun...sort of like valentines day...but sunnier! It's always cold here in February! What a great stand this vendor has!

Small City Scenes said...

Oh what fun. I like this Idea. Happy St. Anthony's Day. MB

Unknown said...

Leif and Eki:

Sure! Everyone is free to offer a manjerico or you can just buy one for yourself. The smell is fantastic especially when you touch the plant!

PeterParis said...

Nice tradition! But the REAL thing should of course to make it yourself, I suppose!

Anonymous said...

Hahahaha, I should probably get one of those. Too bad that this tradition is non-extistant here.

Judy said...

Just catching up on a couple of weeks worth of blogs after an extended trip across country. Your posts are fantastic as usual.

Cezar and Léia said...

Hello JM!
In Brazil this kind of ritual is mostly practiced by girls.
Boys don't take it too seriously when it comes to marriage matters! :-)
Léia

Joan Elizabeth said...

Fascinating to learn or your traditions. I love the smell of basil ... unfortuantely our plant has just turned up its toes for the winter.

Tiago Ralha said...

Que grande feriado :)

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

what a fun tradition. I learned something new from your site.

crocrodyl said...

It is very interesting! I haven't heard about such customs! Great!

humanobserver said...

Looks beautiful and cute :)

escape said...

great display!