Citation

Costa E Silva JA. Ann. Med. Psychol. (Paris) 1982; 140(5): 493-507.

Vernacular Title

Aspects psycho-sociaux de la danse et de la musique du "carnaval" brésilien.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Societe Medico-Psychologique, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7181248

Abstract

In this paper the author analyses the rites of Carnival, a sociocultural phenomenon that has aroused the interest of sociologists and anthropologists through out the world. He emphasizes the importance of Carnival as a psychic stabilizing mechanism, responsible for the reduction of psychiatric cases observed during this period. He studies the origins of Brazilian culture, the peculiarities the meeting of the African folklore and mysticism with the European folklore has created, and also the results of such interaction. In tracing the origins of Carnival rites, the author points out the significant role played by the dynamic and contagious rhythm of the music, that generates an unrestrained atmosphere in which enthusiastic singing and dancing act as elements of catharsis, liberation, compensation and social integration.

Language: fr