The Role of Gibeira in Portuguese Songs and Vaquero Life
The Portuguese song "Romaria" is rich with imagery that reflects the daily life of vaqueiros, or cowboys, in the northeastern part of Brazil. Among the several objects listed in verse 1, three stand out: lào lasso nó knot, nó knot, and gibeira pocket. While the lào lasso and knot are clearly associated with the vaquero's daily life, the mention of the gibeira is intriguing. This article explores the significance of these objects within the context of the song and in the broader cultural context of vaquero life.
Understanding the Gibeira in the Song
The gibeira, often mentioned as a significant object in the song, is not a pocket as the term might suggest. In the northeastern part of Brazil, the gibeira has a more nuanced meaning. It refers to a leather suit worn by vaqueiros for protection during their daily activities on the open plains. These suits provided wearers additional protection against the harsh elements and the rough handling of cattle.
The Semantic Evolution of Gibeira
The term "gibeira" has its roots in the Standard Portuguese word "algibeira," which can mean both a "pocket" or a "purse." However, the word "algibeira" is not the term typically used for pockets in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. Instead, speakers prefer the term "bolso." In the northeastern context, a gibeira is specifically a protective garment worn by vaqueiros. This is in stark contrast to the common usage of "algibeira" as a small purse that is not attached to clothing. The song highlights the gibeira through the phrase "ele pagou de sua algibeira," implying that a vaqueiro's earnings were limited and they carried what little they had in their gibeira.
The Significance in the Song
In the song, the vaqueiro carries his knotted lasso, symbolizing his expertise and connection to his profession. However, he also carries "o jiló dessa vida cumprida a sol," a reference to a protestant folk dish, jiló, which is a green, bitter fruit, typically the scarlet eggplant. The mention of the jiló emphasizes that despite his knotted lasso and the "pocket" where he carries the bitterness of a life lived in the sun, the vaqueiro is resourceful and resilient, carrying on with determination.
Conclusion
The gibeira, in the context of the "Romaria" song and the life of vaqueiros, is not just a simple pocket but a symbol of protection, resourcefulness, and resilience. It represents the broader cultural and historical background of the northeastern Brazilian cowboys, highlighting their dedication to their work and their ability to endure challenging conditions. Understanding the nuances of these terms and objects provides valuable insights into the cultural heritage and everyday life of the vaqueiro in Brazil.