Although I'm the third generation born in the US since our family came over (it
was all of my great grandparents that came from the Azores 100+ years ago, I
guess old customs and superstitions die hard. I remember my Mother talking
about things like the "quebranto" and how you didn't mess around with things
like that. My parents don't speak Portuguese, and things like the quebranto
and the evil eye were still things that they were aware of from the old timers.
I guess it's not surprising that the jewelery to protect against things like
that are still around.
Jay
----- Original Message -----
From: Theresa Entin
To: Azores@googlegroups.com
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008 9:29 AM
Subject: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: Azorean Customs/ Jewelry
Re: Figa
I have a charm bracelet from the 1930's -1950's of my Jewish mother in laws.
It has a gold figa on it along with other things, like my father in laws
faternity pin, and a Jewish star.
My Portuguese mother had one in her jewelery box, that I now have. I
remember as a child seeing it in her drawer, but was not allowed to touch it.
It seemed to have some sort of a secretive meaning at that time. Theresa
----- Original Message -----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Azores@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:58 PM
Subject: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: Azorean Customs/ Jewelry
Hi Sharon,
I was always told the hand was given to children to ward away evil spirits.
I have had one since childhood as do my daughters and grandaughters. The set
that I have has a star and a moon also. The story goes that most newborns are
born with their thumb between their first two fingers to ward away any
curses that might befall them. I bought my latest set in Sao Miguel when I
visited last year although most Ouriversarios (Portuguese jewelry shops) will
have them. There are several sizes and they are not very expensive.
Joanne
-------------- Original message --------------
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> My grandmother, born on Graciosa Island, always wore around her neck a
> gold Lady of Fatima holy medal, and a gold replica of a human forearm,
> (left hand as I recall) with a fisted hand showing the thumb tucked
> between the index and middle fingers. Can any of the Azores listers
> tell me what the Portuguese call that amulet? What is the
> significance of such an item in the Portuguese culture? Is it unique
> to the islanders?
> Thanks!
> Sharon
>
>
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