Deu no Poste and its connection to the illegal yet enduring Game of the Animal represent a unique tradition deeply woven into the fabric of Brazilian culture. Although it began as a promotional strategy for a zoo in 1892, it has since transformed into a national phenomenon that transcends its original purpose. Today, the game is played by millions of Brazilians from all walks of life, and the daily announcement of Deu no Poste—the publication of the winning numbers and animals—has become a cherished, if unofficial, ritual in Brazilian society.
Despite its illegal status, Deu no Poste reflects Brazil's rich cultural history, an intricate relationship with informality, and the resilience of popular traditions. Here's how it has become an integral part of Brazilian culture.
Historical Roots: From Zoo Raffle to National Obsession
The origins of it can be traced back to 1892, when the entrepreneurial Baron João Batista Viana Drummond, owner of the Rio de Janeiro Zoo, devised the game to attract more visitors. He assigned animals to different numbers and offered prizes based on a daily draw, making it a lighthearted promotion for the zoo. The simplicity of the concept, which used easily recognizable animals and numbers, caught the public's imagination. What started as an innocent raffle evolved into an informal lottery system that took on a life of its own.
As the game grew beyond the zoo’s walls, it became increasingly popular in urban areas, especially Rio de Janeiro. Over time, it spread to other parts of Brazil, creating a shared tradition among people regardless of socioeconomic background. It was not just a game anymore; it became a part of everyday life, drawing on the country’s fascination with chance, luck, and popular superstitions.
Daily Ritual: Checking Deu no Poste as Part of Everyday Life
For many Brazilians, checking Deu no Poste at the end of the day is a daily ritual akin to reading the newspaper or listening to the evening news. Deu no Poste, which literally means "It appeared on the post," refers to the moment when the day's winning numbers are posted on a physical board or announced through local channels. Historically, this was done via posters or chalkboards in markets, bars, or public places. Today, the results are also distributed through newspapers, radio, WhatsApp groups, and social media platforms.
This act of checking the results creates a shared sense of anticipation and excitement among players, most of whom have placed small bets. Unlike formal lotteries, which may involve complex participation and longer intervals between draws, it offers a more immediate and accessible form of entertainment. It is simple and easy to understand, making it available to all layers of society.
Cultural Acceptance Despite Illegality
One of the most striking aspects of Deu no Poste is its cultural acceptance, despite itbeing illegal. Brazilian society often views the game not as a crime but as a benign, traditional practice that poses no significant harm. The low stakes and widespread participation blur the lines between legality and cultural legitimacy. While the government has made attempts to crack down on the game, its deep roots and importance in everyday life have made these efforts largely ineffective.
This cultural acceptance reflects Brazil's long history of informal economic activities that operate outside the formal legal framework but are essential to the lives of many people. It thrives because it provides an outlet for daily excitement and the possibility of small but meaningful financial gains, without the need for formal infrastructure or government oversight. As a result, the game has persisted through generations, becoming something of a cultural institution.
Symbolism and Connection to Popular Superstitions
Part of what makes Jogo do Bicho, Deu no Poste so compelling is the game’s connection to Brazilian folklore, superstition, and popular culture. Each of the 25 animals used in the game has a symbolic meaning, often tied to Brazilian beliefs about luck, fortune, and fate. For example:
- The eagle might symbolize freedom and vision.
- The rabbit could represent fertility and luck.
- The donkey is often associated with hard work and perseverance.
Many players use dream interpretation or personal experiences to choose their animals, believing that dreams or encounters with certain animals are omens for which animal to bet on. The belief in the symbolic power of these animals turns Deu no Poste into a deeply personal experience for many players. They are not just betting on random numbers but choosing animals that they feel have meaning in their lives.
Additionally, players frequently share stories and strategies based on personal insights, family traditions, or community lore. This intergenerational transmission of knowledge about how to play it adds to the cultural depth of the practice. Grandparents might teach their grandchildren which animals are "lucky," or friends may discuss the best way to interpret a recent dream.
The Role of Jogo do Bicho in Language and Popular Culture
It have also infiltrated Brazilian language and popular culture. Over time, the game's symbols, animals, and phrases have made their way into common expressions, slang, and even literature and music. For example, when something unexpected happens, people might say, "Deu zebra!"—meaning "It gave zebra!"—a phrase that refers to a rare, unexpected outcome, as the zebra is not one of the official 25 animals in the game.
This pervasive cultural presence means that it is not just a game but a touchstone for understanding aspects of Brazilian life. Artists, musicians, and writers have referenced the game in their work, using it as a metaphor for fate, chance, and the unpredictability of life. The game’s deep connection to Brazilian identity makes it a rich source of inspiration for creative expression.
The Endurance of a National Tradition
More than 130 years after its creation, it remains a thriving part of Brazilian culture. Its daily results, encapsulated by Deu no Poste, continue to captivate millions of people. Despite being illegal, the game has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to changing times, maintaining its relevance in modern Brazil. The game’s simplicity, accessibility, and connection to everyday life ensure that it remains a cherished part of the national tradition.
Through Deu no Poste, Jogo do Bicho has become more than a game of chance; it is a cultural tradition that reflects Brazil’s long-standing relationship with informal practices, local superstitions, and community-based entertainment. Its persistence in the face of legal prohibitions speaks to its deep integration into Brazilian identity, making it a living example of how culture can shape, and be shaped by, everyday practices.
Conclusion
Deu no Poste , Jogo do Bicho are not just games—they are traditions deeply embedded in Brazilian culture. The daily ritual of checking the results has become a shared experience, one that cuts across socioeconomic lines and taps into the country’s fascination with fate, luck, and superstition. Though illegal, it continues to thrive, reflecting the resilience of informal practices in Brazilian society. This cultural acceptance has allowed the game, and its ritualistic announcements of Deu no Poste, to endure for more than a century, becoming a significant part of Brazil’s national identity.
Anny David 