Dia dos Namorados (Lovers Day) on June 12, is the Brazilian equivalent of Valentines Day.
June 12 is the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua. Though known for his work in Italy, Saint Anthony, patron saint of lost things, was Portuguese. He is also a bit of a matchmaker who helps couples have healthy relationships.
That is why Brazilians celebrated Dia dos Namorados on the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony.
Dia dos Namorados Traditions
People are pretty much the same everywhere, so many Dia dos Namorados traditions are the same as Valentine’s Day traditions. But there are a few things that are uniquely Brazilian.
Simpatias are home rituals that women do to find a good partner. They are simple rituals like putting a rose with a pinch of salt in a glass of water, and bathing in the water after two days, while asking Saint Anthony to send a good lover. You might put a love note in a pot of basil and give it to the object of your affections.
Do Simpatias work? Whatever you think is true, and whatever you put your mind on will start to grow.
Enjoy your love today and if you don’t have a lover right now, don’t worry. He or she will soon appear. It might even help to put that rose in a cup of water for a couple of days.
Te amo