Minha Ciranda
Lia de Itamaracá
The Communal Spirit of 'Minha Ciranda'
Lia de Itamaracá's song 'Minha Ciranda' is a beautiful ode to the traditional Brazilian dance and music form known as ciranda. The lyrics emphasize the communal nature of this cultural practice, highlighting that the ciranda is not owned by any single person but belongs to everyone. This sentiment is captured in the opening lines, 'Minha ciranda não é minha só / Ela é de todos nós,' which translates to 'My ciranda is not mine alone / It belongs to all of us.' This sets the tone for the rest of the song, celebrating unity and collective participation.
The song further explains the structure of ciranda, where the melody is guided by the lead voice, 'A melodia principal quem / Guia é a primeira voz.' This line underscores the importance of leadership and guidance in communal activities, yet it also implies that everyone has a role to play. The ciranda is a dance where people join hands, forming a circle and singing together, as described in the lines, 'Pra se dançar ciranda / Juntamos mão com mão / Formando uma roda / Cantando uma canção.' This imagery evokes a sense of togetherness and shared joy, which is at the heart of many traditional folk practices.
Lia de Itamaracá, a renowned figure in Brazilian music, is known for her dedication to preserving and promoting the ciranda. Her music often reflects themes of community, heritage, and cultural pride. 'Minha Ciranda' is a perfect example of how she uses her art to bring people together and celebrate collective identity. The song is not just a piece of music but a call to unity, inviting everyone to join in the dance and song, reinforcing the idea that cultural traditions thrive through shared participation and mutual respect.