Friday Whites: A Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Heritage
Written by: Nina Branco
Published on: September 9, 2024
Estimated Reading Time: 2-3 minutes
Have you ever wondered why so many Brazilians wear white on Fridays? Beyond fashion, this simple choice carries a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Rooted in Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, wearing white on Fridays is a symbol of peace, purity, and positive energy, especially in honor of Oxalá, the orixá of balance and creation.
Afro-Brazilian Heritage and White
In Afro-Brazilian religions, white represents spiritual purity and balance. In Candomblé, it's the color of Oxalá, the orixá who is considered the creator of humanity. In Umbanda, which is experiencing a resurgence, white plays a central role in rituals, symbolizing protection and purification. This resurgence reflects a desire to reconnect with Afro-Brazilian spirituality, and wearing white is a powerful expression of this return to tradition.
Photography by Zhenya and Tanya Posternak, twin sisters from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Culture and the Color White
White appears in Brazilian culture beyond religious traditions. During Carnival, samba schools use white to symbolize purity and renewal. Artists like Bethânia, Gal, Caetano, and Gilberto often wear white, especially natural fabrics like linen and cotton, during performances, symbolizing elegance and a connection to Afro-Brazilian spirituality. This ongoing use of white reflects the enduring influence of African roots in Brazilian culture.
Superstitions and White
Brazilians are known for their superstitions, and white holds special meaning. Many believe that wearing white during significant moments brings good luck and protection from negative energy. For example, students may wear white during exams, and others wear it for job interviews, symbolizing a desire for success. These practices are influenced by Afro-Brazilian beliefs, where white represents light and positivity.
“Wearing white on Fridays honors Oxalá, attracting positive vibrations and connecting with the sacred.”
José Medeiros - Instituto Moreira Salles.
Cultural Influences on the Use of White
The use of white in Brazil also reflects influences from other cultures, such as Portuguese Catholic traditions, where white is worn during baptisms and religious festivals. The Japanese community, with its emphasis on peace and purity, also contributed to the popularity of white in Brazil. However, the deep cultural significance of white in Brazil is largely tied to Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Fashion and the Color White
Living abroad in a colder country, I am often surprised by how people dress in dark colors for New Year’s Eve, while in Brazil, white dominates. This tradition, especially at the turn of the year, symbolizes a fresh start and the hope for peace and good energy. Yet, wearing white is more than just a New Year's Eve tradition—it reflects Afro-Brazilian heritage and is seen as a conduit for positive energy throughout the year.
The Deeper Meaning of White in Brazilian Culture
In Brazil, white is more than a fashion choice. It’s a color full of meaning, symbolizing traditions, spiritual beliefs, and hope. Whether worn on Fridays in honor of Oxalá, during New Year’s Eve, or in daily life, white holds a special place in Brazilian culture, symbolizing peace, good fortune, and protection. Wearing white connects us not only with tradition but with a rich ancestral heritage, reminding us of the importance of fresh starts, purification, and keeping the light that guides our paths alive. Wearing white is a “restart”—and may we begin again as many times as needed!
