América Portuguesa: paraíso terreal

Abstract

This article aims at analysing Brazil as being terrestrial Paradise. The conception of Paradise assumes the existence of a perenial climate, colorful birds and absence of sin. When arrived in América in 1492, the spanish explorers took it as a true terrestrial paradise, since according to Columbu’s records, America is described as the land whose climate is agreeable and perenial; the flora is colorful and assorted; the american people (the indians) stay nude in the very same way they were born. Therefore, these people did not know the meaning of sin and availabe for receiving the “civilizing” Cristian Doctrine. The idea of paradise, although dominant, is not exclusive since the new continent starred being explored, the idea of paradise became under threat. New plants, strong winds, and above all strange people and animals. Therefore, there has been a tencency for taking America as a Paradise, but not exclusively.