Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING PORTUGAL PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Portugal is a country in Southwestern Europe and borders the Pacific Ocean on west side and borders Spain on the East and North. The country is named after its second largest city, Portos. View a map of Portugal and its Capital. Identify it’s flag.

2. In Portugal, the official language is Portuguese, derived from Latin. The pronunciation of Portuguese is different than the written form. Example: sim, yes, is pronounced SEE-ng. The sound of j sounds like a s. Portuguese is considered to be an official language in 4 other countries, most of those being in South America. Choose a language to learn how to speak a phrase or some words.

3. The explorers of Portugal was said to be the first to introduce rice and tea to Europe. Other items they brought to Portugal were ginger, paprika, saffron, cinnamon, coffee, peanuts, tomatoes and pineapples. Portuguese dishes are very diverse because each region has their own specialty dishes. The national dish is the caldo verde, a green soup made from cabbage. There is a recipe for everyday of the year to cook cod or fish. Try some foods from Portugal or make a recipe from Portugal.

4. Women are carrying baskets of rose petals for the Festival of Our Lady of Roses or children are going door to door fro Ano Novo, New Years Day. Portugal has many festivals and celebrations that commemorate different saints or events. Some examples include: Corpus Christi, St. Anthony Day, St. Peter’s Day, Mimosa Festival, and the Feast of the Assumption. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food.

5. In every region of Portugal, each has their own special traditions and dances. These are lively dances to fast paced music with hand clapping, guitars and accordions. People dress in a variety of costumes from working clothes to vibrant outfits. Some examples include: Vira, Chula, Tirana, and the Fandango. Watch a dance or listen to a traditional folk song OR learn more information about a dance and try your own moves.

6. One of the most popular legends in Portugal is that of the Barcelos Cockerel. According to legend, the a cockerel in the town of Barcelos saved the life of a traveler who was wrongly accused of theft. Gift Shops all around Portugal sell little ceramic Barcelos Cockerels. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play that has its origins in Portugal.

7. Portugal is split by its main river, Tagus. The Tagus flows from Spain and eventually flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. The north is characterized by heavy mountainous regions while the south is characterized by rolling plains. Portugal’s climate is considered to be one of the hottest countries in Europe. The beaches in Portugal are very beautiful and the temperature is perfect for a fun day at the beach. Play a water game OR a beach game OR learn more about the geography of Portugal, or one of Portugals archipelagos, Madeira and Azores.

8. The Pena National Palace is located on the front of the Portugal patch. It used to be the summer home for the royal family but now can be toured so visitors can see the architecture of 500 years ago. Learn more about the National Palace OR choose another sculpture, landmark, or building to learn more about OR create an art project about the architecture. Examples: Silves Castle, Paderne Castle, Evora Catherdral, or Palace of Queluz.

9. Portugal has a long history of traditional handicrafts. Each region in Portugal is notable for their own tradition of handmade crafts that are very well-known and expertly made. The most popular are colorful ceramic plates and pottery. Other Portuguese crafts include wickerwork, embroidery, rugs, jewelry, purses, scarves, lace, woodwork and leather. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR representing Portugal, OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR view them on the internet or books.

10. Traditional female dress include a long sleeved white shirt, a shawl with heavy fringe, long gold necklaces, an apron, stockings, black shoes, and a calf length dress usually with designs. Men’s traditional clothing includes black shoes, long black pants, a white button up shirt, a thick red sash around the waist, a black fedora(hat) and some sort of jacket. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Portuguese themed costumes, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games played in Portugal by children. The most popular sports are soccer and bullfighting. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Portugal OR play a water game or sport. Some traditional games are: Caracol, Berlinda, and Jogo do Eixo.

12. Blue and white tile, azulejo, making became popular in the 17th century. They can be found on churches, palaces, train stations and even houses. They have been applied to walls, ceilings and floors. Some of the tiles create a pattern or an artistic mural. Learn about a building that has tiles inside and view pictures of it OR view photos of the designs OR create a blue and white tile, azulejo, or design of your own.