I was reading part of the book that I posted about earlier, THE AZORES or
WESTERN ISLANDS, by Walter Frederick Walker, and I came across a discussion
of naming conventions and idiosyncrasy on Sao Miguel Island back in the old
days (written in 1886). Keep this in mind when doing your research
especially on Sao Miguel in the mid to late 1800’s.
Part of pages 289 & 290:
Although the peasantry posses surnames, they rarely, if ever, make
use of them, preferring “alcunhas.” Or pseudonyms, which they are
passionately fond of bestowing, and which have been known in course of time
to altogether supersede the inherited patronymics, until the latter are
completely lost. On the western side of the island (*added by WT: Sao
Miguel*), and more especially at Bretanha, a very singular custom exists of
giving the sons, as surnames, the Christian name of the mother; thus, there
are many men there whose only names are Antonio Claudina, Joao Carlota,
Manoel Jacinta, &c., &c. This peculiarity was first observed by Snr.
Arruda Furtado, who says it is confined to this part of the island. Perhaps
in no country in Europe could such singular names be met with as in
Portugal; one of the late port captains of Ponta Delgada, had as his
surname, merely the letter O’, and in the rua da Lapa, in Lisbon, there is
a business firm established under the title of Espirito Santo & Co. (Holy
Ghost & Co.), the principal having no doubt received the baptismal name of
Espirito Santo. Another one trades under the name of Christo & Irmao. (*added
by WT: Christ & Brother*) Numerous singular instances of the kind could be
adduced.
The utmost importance is attached by the peasantry to the spiritual
office of “compadre” and “Madrinha” – God-father and God-mother, and if
brothers and sisters act in this capacity, the appellation of “brother” and
“sister” ceases from that moment, and they address each other as “compadre”
or “madrinha,” and however much two God-fathers may hate one another, they
invariably raise their hats when passing each other’s dwellings, saying –
“Deus salve a casa do meu compadre!” (*added by WT:* *God save the house of
my God-father*)
Walt Teixeira - Researching Praia, Graciosa, Azores and mainland Portugal
On Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 4:51:22 PM UTC-5, akatex1947 wrote:
>
> When we were at the recent Azores Genealogical Conference in Salt Lake
> City, Rosemarie Capodicci taught us about the Cultura Governo dos Acores
> sight and how to navigate it. When going through it myself, I found a very
> interesting book about the Azores under Monografias, Page 3. To make it
> easy for everyone, here is the direct link:
>
> *http://culturacores.azores.gov.pt/biblioteca_digital/THEAZORES-BYWALKER/THEAZORES-BYWALKER_item1/index.html*
>
> <http://culturacores.azores.gov.pt/biblioteca_digital/THEAZORES-BYWALKER/THEAZORES-BYWALKER_item1/index.html>
>
> Here is the information from the first page:
>
> THE AZORES or WESTERN ISLANDS.
>
> A POLITICAL, COMMERCIAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT
>
> Containing what is historically known of these islands,
>
> and descriptive of their scenery, inhabitants, and
>
> natural productions; having special reference
>
> to the eastern group consisting of:
>
> ST. MICHAEL AND ST. MARY, THE FORMIGAS AND DOLLABARET ROCKS;
>
> Including suggestions to travelers and invalids who may
>
> resort to the archipelago in search of health.
>
> With maps and illustrations
>
> by: WALTER FREDERICK WALKER
> The first few pages that I read and a few jumps around to see what it was
> about appeared to be very interesting and informative.
> The book is from 1886 so it gives a very early perspective towards
> everything making it even more intriguing. Hope you like it.
> Walt Teixeira - Researching Praia, Graciosa, Azores and mainland Portugal.
>
>
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