When did the Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil start?
About Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil Holiday
Happy Children's Day from Brazil!
Today is a special day here in the beautiful country of Brazil, as we celebrate Our Lady of Aparecida in honor of the patron saint of Brazil. This day is an important tradition in Brazil, where family and friends join together to celebrate the joy of children.
Each year, thousands of people flock to the Aparecida National Shrine, the most important Marian site in South America, where the devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida has been growing since 1717. The festivities start with a colorful and lively parade, full of giant papier-mâché figures of Our Lady. Throughout the day there are prayers, special masses, and concerts with offerings to the Virgin Mary. People also take part in folk dances, such as the Indian and the African circle, often done around a representation of the Lady of Aparecida.
Children are the joy of Our Lady of Aparecida, and the day is devoted to them. They are given special attention and recognition during the festivities, which often involve the exchange of gifts and traditional treats. Today marks a very special day, as Brazilian families come together to celebrate the joy and innocence of childhood. Happy Children's Day!
Our Lady of Aparecida/Children’s Day in Brazil
Our Lady of Aparecida is a religious holiday honoring the Virgin Mary, celebrated in Brazil each year on October 12. In Brazil, this holiday is also known as Children’s Day, with a focus on the tradition of blessing children of the nation. It has become a national holiday and is widely celebrated with much gusto by people from all levels of society.
History and Origin
It all began back in 1717, when three fishermen from Guaratinguetá in São Paulo, Brazil, pulled a small statue of the Virgin Mary from the dark river waters of the Paraíba do Sul. Three centuries later, the statue is still standing tall and the Roman Catholic Church has declared the Church of Aparecida a basilica status.
The holiday has grown since then and the tradition is to celebrate the day when the statue was discovered at a solemn mass. The Bishop of São Paulo declared in 1922 that October 12th is to be a holiday, and two years later a papal decree recognized the original statue as a national symbol of Brazil.
The small statue, known as “Our Lady of Aparecida” is now enshrined in a basilica, located in the city of Aparecida. People come from all over the country to visit the shrine and to pay tribute to the Virgin Mary.
Significance and Meaning
Our Lady of Aparecida, or the “Virgin of Aparecida”, is deeply admired in Brazil and the holiday is an important national holiday. It is also known as Children’s Day or the Day of the Immaculate Conception. The children of Brazil are blessed in a special ceremony which marks the day. It is believed that Virgin Mary protects the children and helps them to grow in spirit and grace.
The tradition of the blessing of the children on this special day began as a way to commemorate the blessed visitors that the Virgin granted entry to the city. As the holiday has grown, the tradition has spread and become an important celebration of childhood. The blessing symbolizes the innocence and purity of children and is a way for the adults of the country to appreciate and honor these small but important members of society.
Traditions and Celebrations
The holiday of Our Lady of Aparecida is celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout Brazil. Schools hold special services and festivities to mark the occasion and the cities of Aparecida and nearby Campinas are lit up with processions, banners, floats, and music.
At the churches, the altars feature small statues of the Virgin and a priest blesses the children. Parents bring their children dressed in white, and decorate the statues with colorful ribbons. Gifts are given to the children as symbols of thanksgiving and love.
In Brazil, it is tradition to serve a feast in honor of the Virgin Mary on this day. This usually includes regional dishes such as feijão (black bean soup) and bacalhau (codfish) paired with music and dancing.
Geographical Spread
Our Lady of Aparecida is celebrated by Roman Catholics all around the world, but in Brazil it has taken on greater importance as a national holiday. The shrine of “Virgem de Aparecida” is located in Aparecida near São Paulo. Crowds of visitors flock to the city during the days and weeks leading up to the holiday, to pay homage to the Virgin Mary and to witness the festivities and rituals. The celebrations in this city have become increasingly spectacular, with ceremonial decorations, events, concerts, and festivals.
The tradition of honoring the Virgin is spread throughout the country in other regions as well. In the Northern parts of Brazil, the tradition is called “Romarias de Aparecida” and people flock to churches for special services and ceremonies, often times on foot.
Modern Day Observations
In modern day Brazil, the traditions of Our Lady of Aparecida remain largely the same as before. Large sculptures of the Virgin are taken out in processions throughout the city, accompanied by bands, and prayers are offered at churches in celebration. Some modern twists include the use of technology such as drones to create a cinematic experience of the festivities.
In addition, the traditional ceremony is now done as an online virtual ceremony, which allows people to join from all over the world and view the celebrations of Aparecida.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
• The original statue of Our Lady of Aparecida is known as the “Mãe (Mother) do Brasil” or “Mother of Brazil”.
• The holy statue stands for charity and strength and is a representation of the power of faith.
• In gratefulness for her protection, a protestation of loyalty is sung each October 12th in honor of the Virgin Mary. The song of “La Madre (The Mother) de Aparecida” was composed in 1856 and is now the national anthem of Brazil.
• The New Basilica of Aparecida holds the original statue of the Virgin along with two copies. This basilica is the second largest Christian church in the world and one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations on the planet.
• Our Lady of Aparecida is currently the Patroness of Brazil, proclaimed by a papal decree in 1930.
• In Brazilian culture, the holiday holds a special meaning as children are believed to be a gift from the Virgin Mary.
• As part of the tradition, people dress up in white, representing purity and innocence.
• Families and friends get together to enjoy carefully-prepared feasts and to remember the Virgin Mary and the children of the Nation.
Holiday Wishes
1. May Our Lady of Aparecida bring blessing and protection to all children in Brazil.
2. May the love and joy of this holiday fill every heart.
3. May each child bring hope and happiness to the Nation.
4. May the Virgin Mary grant us peace and serenity.
5. May all people experience the bliss of love and compassion.
Holiday Messages
1. May the grace of Our Lady of Aparecida bless the children of Brazil.
2. May this special day be a reminder of the infinite power of faith.
3. Let us embrace the innocence of our Nation’s children.
4. Let us honor the blessings of Our Lady of Aparecida.
5. May the love and joy of this holiday fill your heart with hope and happiness
Holiday Quotes
1. “Our Lady of Aparecida blesses the innocence and joy of childhood.” – Unknown
2. “Let us not forget the blessing of Our Lady of Aparecida.” – Pope Francis
3. “May all the children of Brazil be blessed with the grace of the Virgin Mary.” – Paulo Coelho
4. “May your children find grace and peace in the presence of Our Lady.” – Unknown
5. “May the blessings of Our Lady of Aparecida bring love and hope to all.” – Unknown
Other Popular Holiday Info
In Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida has become a major pilgrimage destination. It is estimated that millions of people make the journey each year to visit the shrine, where the original statue of Our Lady of Aparecida rests.
The basilica itself is an impressive sight, first designed in 1920 by the country’s then-President, Epitácio Pessoa. This impressive building, standing at a height of almost one hundred meters, sits atop the original humble chapel that was built to house the sacred statue of the Virgin.
The celebration of Our Lady of Aparecida is observed in many other parts of Latin America and in parts of the United States. The holiday holds particular importance in Mexico, Uruguay, and Bolivia, which have close ties to the Roman Catholic Church and to Brazilian culture.
No matter where it is celebrated, Our Lady of Aparecida is an important event that brings people together to celebrate faith and family. By retelling her story and honoring the love of children, this special holiday creates connection and joy wherever it is celebrated.
Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil Also Called
Nossa Senhora Aparecida Day or Children's Day.Countries where "Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1717, Our Lady of Aparecida / Children’s Day in Brazil is celebrated on October 12 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!