CAVALO MARINHO

Summary

The video delves into the origins and cultural significance of 'Cavalo Marinho,' a complex Brazilian performance art that blends dance, music, and theatricality. The performance is rooted in the traditions of the 'reisado' or 'Bumba Meu Boi,' highlighting regional variations, especially in Northeast Brazil. With historical ties to Portuguese processions, the seahorse dance evolved into a vibrant community celebration, rich in symbolism. Despite unclear origins of the term 'cavalo marinho,' the performance is recognized for its artistic complexity, incorporating elements of social criticism and individual character portrayal, making it a unique and multifaceted expression of Brazilian folklore.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mário de Andrade refers to the seahorse dance as 'bumba meu boi,' describing it as a dramatic dance encompassing music, dance, and theatricality.
• 😀 The seahorse is an extended version of the 'reisados,' a traditional performance with origins in the Northeast region of Brazil.
• 😀 The 'reisados' were influenced by Portuguese musical groups like 'janeiras' and 'reisadas,' which would go on processions between Christmas and Epiphany, praising people's homes.
• 😀 Over time, some 'reisados' stopped being performed as processions and evolved into new group formations, while maintaining the name 'reisados.'
• 😀 A common feature in these new groups is the representation of the death of the mythical ox, a significant figure in popular imagination.
• 😀 The names 'Bumba Meu Boi,' 'Boi de Reis,' and 'Boi de Mamão' reflect the enduring connection to the ox figure in Brazilian folklore, though other names like 'cavalo marinho' also persist.
• 😀 The name 'cavalo marinho' has multiple theories regarding its origin, including references to a horse from Portugal, a captain from a prominent family, or a whip made from hippopotamus skin.
• 😀 Some believe that the 'cavalo marinho' dance imitates the movements of the aquatic animal, the seahorse, while others see it as a symbol of naval heritage.
• 😀 The seahorse dance is a complex performance lasting many hours and involving numerous characters, each with unique speech and dance styles.
• 😀 While the seahorse dance is poetic and comical, it often contains hidden social criticism, though there is limited historical information available on its origins.

Q & A

What does Mário de Andrade refer to when talking about the 'seahorse'?

Mário de Andrade uses the name 'bumba meu boi' for the seahorse, which is considered the most original and complex dramatic dance in Brazil. He refers to it as a collective manifestation involving dance, music, and theatricality.

What is the relationship between the seahorse and the 'reisado'?

The seahorse is an extended version of the 'reisados', which are traditional musical and dance performances. To understand the seahorse's origins, it's essential to explore the origins of the 'reisado'.

Where do 'reisados' primarily take place in Brazil?

Reisados mainly take place in the Northeast region of Brazil.

What was the original format of the 'reisados'?

The original format of the 'reisados' was a procession, where musical groups would go around people's homes praising them, typically between Christmas and Epiphany.

How did 'reisados' evolve over time?

Over time, some 'reisados' stopped being performed as processions and instead became groups that would represent performances, maintaining the name but evolving in structure and style.

What common theme is present in many of these traditional performances?

A common theme in many of these performances is the representation of the death of the ox, a mythical figure that has been strongly embedded in the people's imagination.

What are some of the names used for the different groups involved in this performance tradition?

Some of the names for these groups include Bumba Meu Boi, Boi de Reis, Boi de Mamão, Alto de Guerreiros, Cordões de Bichos, and Cavalo Marinho.

What is the significance of the name 'cavalo marinho'?

The name 'cavalo marinho' is difficult to trace, but it is believed to either refer to a Portuguese horse that trotted well, a whip made from hippopotamus skin, or the movement of a captain's dance that resembled the aquatic animal, the seahorse.

What is the nature of the 'cavalo marinho' performance?

The 'cavalo marinho' is a very complex and lengthy performance that involves many characters, each with their own distinct way of dancing and speaking. While it is poetic and comical, it also subtly includes social criticism.

Why is the historical information on 'cavalo marinho' considered scarce?

The historical information is considered scarce because there are few documented sources, although there are numerous publications and resources available for further research on the topic.