Have you ever wondered where your Portuguese ancestors came from, and what traditions they passed down through generations?
Unlike some cultures rooted in a single country or close geographic region, being Portuguese can mean your ancestors were from Europe or South America. In fact, you may very well find some from both continents. Either way, you will discover strong family ties, religious traditions, and an amazing array of crafts, music styles, traditional recipes, and more. These are the things that you can pass on to your children to keep the heritage alive.
Through genealogical research, you can reconnect to family members from long ago and even unearth branches of the family tree that still exist in other places around the world today. While studying documents can get you far, looking into how the people lived long ago provides further insight. Also, it makes the past feel much more real and can help you pass on important things to future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Portuguese ancestry spans Europe, Brazil, and other regions influenced by early exploration.
- Both the father’s and mother’s names are included in many historical surnames.
- Most cultural celebrations follow the Christian calendar, with Carnival one of the most vibrant, especially in Brazil.
- Bobbin lace making is one of the most popular Portugal art styles, with basketry, pottery, and filigree jewelry making also common.
Tracking Heritage in Portuguese Surnames
In Portuguese surnames tradition, children often carry both their mother’s and father’s surnames, helping preserve family history on both sides. This can give genealogy researchers additional insight into different family branches that may get lost in some places where the mother’s name is essentially abandoned. This became more widespread in the 1970s, although some men chose to take their wife’s name instead.
Prepositions such as da, das, do, dos, and de are frequently seen. They essentially mean ‘from or of the’ depending on which is present. Patriarchal names like Ruiz, Lopes, or Martins, all of which mean ‘son of’ and the specific name tend not to have these. Ones associated with noble families like da Silveira or de Azevedo or religious ones like dos Santos.
Explore Recipes Passed Down Through the Generations
Like many traditional dishes, food from Portugal often came from family dishes that have their own unique ingredients or methods. However, there are popular options you can try with your family today. Some are more for holidays and special occasions while others use the regularly available ingredients from coastal waters, farmland, and early access to the spice trade routes.
Salted cod or bacalhau is a popular Atlantic region dish, as are grilled sardines. Many meals feature olive oil, cheese, and egg custard in desserts. Caldo verde and Cozido a Portuguesa are examples of meat and vegetable stews that are more for everyday eating.
Popular Holidays in Portugal
The heavy Roman Catholic influence makes religious holidays prominently practiced in this European country. They followed explorers to Brazil, too. Besides Christmas and Easter, Carnival in the time leading up to Lent is quite popular. Portuguese Carnival, though vibrant, maintains a more European character with a focus on regional traditions, music, and dance. Other celebrations include Dia de Todos-os-Santos or All Saints Day on November 1st and the legendary and UNESCO recognized Sintra Festival that features dancers and musicians from that region of the country. No matter which you decide to explore, expect church services, parades, colorful costumes, lots of music, and parties.
Arts, Crafts, and More Keep the Culture Alive
Passed down through generations, Portuguese crafts tell stories of resilience, beauty, and community. Intricate, open-work design features heavily in all traditional Portuguese arts and crafts. This includes silver and gold filigree jewelry, the detailed painting on the blue and white terracotta pottery, the reed basket weaving, needlepoint rugs, and especially bobbin lace, which is locally called renda de bilros. Many of the designs may have originated from the omnipresence of fishing as a way of life. Woven baskets and nets transformed through the years into truly masterful art styles. Although motifs like fish and flowers exist, much of the artwork is more geometric in nature.
Tracing roots back to Portugal can unveil a new understanding of where your family came from, how they lived, and why they ended up where you are today. Reconnecting with the past through family tree building or genetic genealogy research uncovers rich traditions you can share with your children. Beyond the names and dates or births, marriages, immigration, and deaths, you can discover favorite foods, celebration traditions, and even pastimes they may have enjoyed.
FAQ on Portuguese traditions and genealogy
How can I track my family’s surname into the past?
MyHeritage’s surname search is a great launching point for your genealogical research. It can bring many documents and other information to light and get you started on the exciting journey into your family’s past.
What are some of the most commonly celebrated holidays in Portugal?
Most of the holidays are related to the Catholic church, as the country has had a heavy religious influence through the past. This also pertains to Brazil as much of the heritage comes from explorers from long ago. Easter, Christmas, and Carnival leading up to Lent are the biggest.
What are some traditional music types or songs from the past?
While religious hymns and classical music exist, the style that is most quintessentially Portugeuse is called Fado. It began in Lisbon and uses voice and acoustic guitar alone. The themes are primarily melancholic and tell tales of poverty, loneliness, and lost love. Earlier folk music features fiddles and even a type of bagpipe.
If I could cook only one Portuguese dish, what should it be?
For dinner, try Caldo Verde, a green soup with sausage, potato, and kale. Follow it up with Pastel de Nata, egg custard tarts with sugar and cinnamon.
What role did migration play in my family’s Portuguese history?
While you may trace your ancestors back to Portugal itself, you may expect to find more in Brazil, the largest country in South America, which is the only one to primarily speak Portuguese instead of Spanish. Others emigrated to France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Due to the country’s long history of exploration, you may also find family tree branches in Africa and Asia, too. You may also consider exploring your roots with a DNA test.
The post Being Portuguese: Celebrating Traditions and Exploring Your Genealogy appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Source: My Heritage
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