In Part 1, we showed you three aspects that are typical of the Portuguese way of life. In this article, we'll show you what else characterizes the Portuguese and what principles they follow for a relaxed life.
1. A close connection with nature
In southern European countries like Portugal, interdependence within a community is essential for daily subsistence. But nature also played a key role for the Portuguese from an early stage. In this context, the sea is arguably the most important. For the Portuguese, the sea is more than just a scenic feature. The significance of the sea is conditioned by Portugal's history. The Age of Discovery had a significant influence on the mentality today. With sailors like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, the sea became a gateway to the world. The sea was a symbol of adventure, expansion, and progress. At the same time, it was a place of danger and the unknown.
This period likely also shaped the unique Portuguese sentiment of saudade. The sea represented the separation from loved ones and the desire for reunion. The many folk songs that speak of the sea and its dangers are testaments to this period. In addition to the sea, other aspects of the landscape also express the Portuguese lifestyle. Especially in rural areas, people still maintain a strong connection to agricultural traditions, such as olive cultivation, wine production, and fishing.
For the Portuguese, the connection to nature is not just a matter of tradition. It is an expression of their lifestyle.
2. A fundamental serenity
The cliché is true. The Spanish phrase "mañana mañana," often uttered with a smile, is universally known. Unlike many other stereotypes, there's some truth to this one: A relaxed, noncommittal attitude is typical of Southern European countries, including Portugal. The big difference is that this attitude is by no means perceived as negative in Southern Europe.
The Portuguese language also offers proverbs and sayings that reflect a relaxed attitude. For example, in Portugal, they say "deixa andar!", which literally translates to "Let it go!"
This laissez-faire attitude stands in stark contrast to the activism and (excessive) zeal we know in Germany. The willingness to simply let things happen is a characteristic of the Portuguese mentality. A trait that even 45 years in Germany haven't been able to dampen our mother's spirit. Lol!
Simply letting things "take their course" naturally means that not everything always works out right away. As you can imagine, this is generally accepted. People are flexible and find alternative (sometimes improvised) solutions. A positive side effect: a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
3. A sense of balance
In addition to the aspects mentioned above, there is another characteristic that makes Portugal unique – its people's above-average lifespan. What many people probably don't realize is that with an average life expectancy of around 82 years, Portugal ranks quite high globally. In some regions of Portugal, people live even longer, often reaching 90 or even 100 years of age. This is due to the characteristics of the Portuguese lifestyle, which are mentioned in Part 1 and also in this article.
What rounds out the Portuguese way of life, however, is the sense of moderation, the ability to find the right balance. Ultimately, it is this aspect that not only prolongs life but also makes it worth living.
But what does it mean to find the "right" balance? That's probably impossible to answer precisely. Especially since a balanced lifestyle isn't a rigid, but rather a fluid concept. Likewise, the Portuguese way of life is adaptable.
The most important aspects of this way of life are values such as sociability, social connectedness, a strong sense of community, family values, proximity to nature and the living environment, a deep-rooted spirituality, local customs and traditions and a sense of moderation in all areas of life.