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Portugal
- Christmas traditions &
customs |
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In Portugal the tradition of gift-giving was defined
mostly by the strong Christian religious beliefs of the
people. Children await the coming of the Three Wise Men
during Christmas time. On the eve of January 5th
children place their shoes along windowsills and
doorways and fill them with carrots and straw. They do
this hoping that this will lure the wise men's horses to
their houses during the night and that they will find
their shoes packed with gifts and treats in the morning.
The treats left is more likely to be candied fruits and
sweet breads.
They do not recognize the red suit of most traditions as
the person who brings gifts, but, gifts are a big part
of the many Christmas celebrations. The Christmas Feast
of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of the Holy
Innocents both involve the sharing of gifts.
They have a feast known as the consoda which takes place
on the morning of Christmas Day. They set extra places
at the table for the souls of the dead. They give a gift
of food to these souls and hope that by doing so the
fortunes of the next year will be good.
The Portuguese "Christmas log," or cepo de Natal, is a
piece of oak that burns on the hearth all through the
day while people enjoy a lingering consoda.
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