Sleep, baby, or the Cuca will come and get you

Hello, lovers of Brazilian legends and myths! Today we're going to explore the fascinating story of Cuca, one of the most iconic and feared figures in our folklore. Who hasn't heard the famous lullaby: "Sleep, baby, or the Cuca will come and get you"? This character, who for generations has haunted and enchanted children and adults alike, has deep and multifaceted origins that reflect Brazil's cultural richness. Let's unravel together the mysteries behind this enigmatic witch.

The Origin of Cuca

Iberian and African Roots

Cuca has her origins rooted in Iberian and African traditions, brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonizers and African slaves. In the Iberian Peninsula, especially in Portugal and Spain, there existed the "Coca" or "Coco", fantastic entities associated with monsters or dragons that frightened children. The word "Coca" is related to "head" or "skull", evoking images of skulls and, consequently, death.

In the African Nbunda language, spoken in regions like Angola, "cuca" and "coco" mean grandfather and grandmother, carrying the idea of old age and decrepitude. This influence contributed to the representation of Cuca as an elderly and frightening figure.

Upon arriving in Brazil, these legends were reinterpreted and merged with elements from indigenous and African cultures. Cuca became an old witch, very ugly and with various physical deformities, who kidnaps disobedient children or those who don't want to sleep. In different regions, she takes on various forms: in the Northeast, she's an old sorceress; in Minas Gerais, she can be a deformed old black man.

Characteristics of Cuca

Cuca's image has evolved over the years, especially with her representation in popular culture. Originally described as a wrinkled, thin, and hunchbacked old woman, Cuca gained reptilian characteristics in more modern versions. She is often portrayed with a tail, sharp claws, yellowish eyes, and a large head with an elongated jaw, similar to that of an alligator. This transformation is due, in part, to the importation of the myth from the Iberian region, where she was associated with a dragon.

Cuca is known for being selfish, greedy, and cunning. She envies humans and seeks to steal their riches, especially jewelry, precious stones, and magical items. Crafty, she manipulates other beings, like Saci-Pererê, to achieve her goals.

An intriguing characteristic of Cuca is that she only sleeps every seven years. This sleep deprivation increases her irritability over time. After waking from her long sleep, there are reports that she may perform kind actions, but as the years pass, she becomes increasingly ill-tempered. At the peak of her sleep deprivation, her deafening scream is capable of filling the hearts of those who hear it with fear.

Supernatural Abilities

  • Magical Powers: Cuca is a powerful conjurer, capable of preparing potions and poisons in her boiling cauldrons. She can also magically disguise herself as other beings to deceive her victims.
  • Affinity with Reptiles: Her reptilian nature allows her to communicate with reptiles, transmitting simple orders or receiving information about her surroundings.
  • Night Vision and Keen Sense of Smell: Her reptilian characteristics grant her excellent night vision and a keen sense of smell, making her a formidable hunter.
  • Aquatic Submersion: Cuca can submerge in rivers and lakes, holding her breath for long periods, either to escape or to ambush someone.

Cuca in Popular Culture

Songs and Literature

Cuca is present in lullabies throughout Brazil, serving as an authority figure that encourages children to go to sleep early. The famous song "Sleep, baby, or the Cuca will come and get you" is a classic example of how she is used to discipline little ones.

Artistic Representations

  • Tarsila do Amaral: In 1924, the renowned Brazilian artist painted "A Cuca," a work that portrays the character and is exhibited at the Grenoble Museum in France.
  • Sítio do Picapau Amarelo: Cuca gained great prominence in the television adaptation of Monteiro Lobato's work. In the versions from the 1970s and 2000s, she was portrayed as an alligator witch, with shrill laughter and memorable comic moments. Cuca's theme song, composed by Dori Caymmi and Geraldo Casé, was re-recorded by Cassia Eller, reinforcing her presence in popular culture.

Symbolism and Meaning

Cuca represents, in many aspects, the fears and anxieties linked to the unknown and disobedience. Like many folkloric figures, she is used to teach and warn, serving as a form of social control for children. Her frightening image discourages unwanted behaviors, such as staying up late or disobeying parents.

Additionally, Cuca reflects the rich cultural mixture of Brazil, incorporating European, African, and indigenous elements. Her evolution over time demonstrates how myths adapt to different cultures and eras, remaining relevant and present in the collective imagination.

Conclusion

Cuca is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating and complex characters in Brazilian folklore. Her story reveals not just a monster that haunts children, but also a rich tapestry of cultural influences that have shaped her image over the centuries. By getting to know Cuca, we dive deeply into the cultural roots of Brazil, exploring how legends and myths reflect our beliefs, fears, and hopes.

So, the next time you hear the lullaby or encounter a representation of Cuca, remember her story and how she continues to enchant and frighten generations. After all, legends live on as long as we tell their stories.

References

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  • ALVES, Januária Cristina. Alphabet of characters from Brazilian folklore: and their marvelous stories, São Paulo: FTD: Edições Sesc, 2017.
  • Cascudo, Luís da Câmara. Geography of Brazilian Myths. São Paulo: Global Editora, 2002.
  • Cascudo, Luís da Câmara. Dictionary of Brazilian Folklore. São Paulo: Global Editora, 2002.
  • LOBATO, M. The Saci. São Paulo: Brasiliense, 2005.
  • MEGALE, B. Nilza. Brazilian Folklore. 2nd ed. Petrópolis: Vozes, 2000.
  • MORAES, Wilson Rodrigues. Basic Folklore. São Paulo: Esporte e Educação, 1974.