Brazilian Folklore: SACI PERERÊ
The legend of Saci Pererê is one of the most famous in Brazilian folklore.
Saci is a mischievous one legged black boy who smokes a pipe and wears a red cap that gives him magical powers.
He enjoys playing tricks on people and animals, such as braiding horses tails, hiding objects, whistling loudly to scare travelers, switching salt for sugar, and distracting cooks so they burn the food.
Beyond his pranks, Saci is known as the guardian of medicinal herbs and plants.
According to the legend, to capture Saci, one must throw a sieve over a whirlwind, then take away his cap and trap him inside a bottle.
The legend originates from Indigenous tribes in southern Brazil. The name “Saci” comes from the Tupi word sa’si, referring to a bird known as matimpererê or martim-pererê.
Originally, Saci had two legs and a tail, but under African influence, he became one legged after losing the other while practicing capoeira and started smoking a pipe.
His red cap, in turn, comes from Portuguese folklore, inspired by the Trasgo, a goblin like creature with supernatural powers.
In Brazil, Halloween isn’t celebrated, but October 31st is National Saci Pererê Day.
