Waters of Life and Death in Old Recife: Allegory and History in “No Riacho da Prata”, by Gilberto Freyre

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the tale “No Riacho da Prata”, by Gilberto Freyre. Guided by reflections from Benjamin (1987), Grawunder (1996), Quintiliano (1836), Hansen (2006), Auerbach (1997), Goethe (2005), Todorov (2014) and Cascudo (2012; 2015), the study seeks to identify the supernatural elements within the narrative, emphasizing how legends from Northeastern oral culture transformed into literary form. The article adopts water as a category, examining the perspective of purification, facilitated by baths, and the magical functions. By an allegorical reading, this study revisits these practices throughout history gaining insights into social, religious, and mystical structures during St. John’s festival in Recife. The intersection of ancient myths, Christian narratives, and profane connotations surrounding the origin of these baths, reveals the influence of African and indigenous cultures in shaping these rituals among the inhabitants of Recife. The magical nature of water highlights facets of Recife’s religious syncretism, foreshadowing both life and death through rituals and superstitions, a theme experienced by the protagonist in Freyre’s narrative. The representation of cultural practices emerges as a fading social expression, however its value is restored through this work, which uncovers the meanings behind the baths and the magical functions of water in the Northeastern context.