III—THE CARNIVAL
“The Carnival, the Carnival,” shouted Domingo one morning. “This is the first day of the Carnival.”
Then he ran to find Marikena. “Look, Sister,” he cried, “I am a clown this year. What are you?”
“I am a fairy,” she replied. “See my cap and wand. And here is a bag full of sugarplums and sweetmeats. I can hang the bag over my shoulder.”
“See these big pockets,” said her brother. “They are bigger than a bag and they are just full of goodies. I like to be a clown, because I can have such big pockets. Take that!” and he threw a handful of sugarplums into her lap.
Just then there was a clapping of hands at the door and the children ran to the balcony.
In Brazil the Carnival is held on the three days before Lent, and every one has a holiday. The cities are beautifully decorated, and men, women and children wear odd costumes and masks.
Some of them are dressed to look like monkeys, some like parrots, and some like clowns. Some wear gay dresses and funny masks, and others wear ugly skins of animals and hideous masks.
The children often carry wreaths and garlands of flowers; and there is always music and feasting and dancing in the streets.
Every one has pockets, bags, or baskets full of sugarplums, sweetmeats, bonbons and flowers.
These they throw at every one they meet, laughing merrily if they make a good hit.
The children think it is great fun to pelt each other with sugarplums and flowers. It is as good as snow-balling, only they can never have snow battles because they never have any snow.
The Carnival is the best time of all the year in Brazil, or at least Domingo and Marikena think so.
Where do Domingo and Marikena live?
When do they play out of doors?
What do they see in the woods?
How is the milk brought to their house?
When they go visiting, what do they ride in?
What did their aunt say when they went to call on her? What did they do at their aunt’s house?
What do some of the people wear on Carnival days?
What do they carry in their pockets? What do they throw at each other?