Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico
A Deep Dive into Capoeira’s Playful Ritual
Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends dance, music, and acrobatics, is rich with engaging and profound cultural rituals and playful games. One such game is **Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico**. This article delves into this intriguing Capoeira game's origins, rules, rituals, and contemporary significance.
Origins and Roots
**Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico**, which translates to "Pick up the orange from the ground, tico-tico," is a playful yet challenging game in the Capoeira tradition. Its origins are deeply intertwined with the African roots of Capoeira, reflecting the creativity and resilience of enslaved Africans in Brazil who developed these practices as a form of resistance and cultural expression.
The game is named after the **tico-tico**, a small, agile bird native to Brazil. It symbolizes quickness and dexterity—qualities essential in Capoeira. The "orange" in the game represents an object or a goal, often something simple like a cloth or a small stone, that players must retrieve while engaging in the ritual.
The Ritual and Its Contemporary Preservation
Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico ritual typically occurs within a **roda**, a circle formed by Capoeiristas. The roda is a sacred space where Capoeira is practised, and the participants' energy contributes to the overall atmosphere. Here's how the ritual unfolds:
1. **Formation of the Roda**: Participants form a circle, clapping and singing traditional Capoeira songs. The berimbau, a single-string percussion instrument, dictates the rhythm and mood of the game.
2. **Introduction of the Object**: Instead of an orange, a cloth that wraps money is placed in the centre of the roda. This object adds an element of challenge and reward to the game.
3. **Toque of the Berimbau**: The game is accompanied by a specific toque (rhythm) on the berimbau. The toque for Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico is generally lively and upbeat, encouraging agility and quick movements.
4. **Beginning of the Game**: Two players enter the roda. They aim to retrieve the cloth-wrapped money from the ground using only their mouths. They must avoid being tagged or blocked by their opponent.
5. **Strategy and Skill**: Players use a combination of feints, dodges, and swift movements to outmaneuver their opponent. The goal is not just to pick up the object but to do so with grace and style, embodying the art of Capoeira.
6. **Completion**: The game continues until one player successfully picks up the object with their mouth. The game is reset with a new pair if any participant touches the cloth with anything other than their mouth. This process continues until someone achieves the goal.
Rules of the Game
While the essence of Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico is playful, there are specific rules to ensure fairness and safety:
- **No Physical Contact**: Direct physical contact is minimized. Players should avoid tackling or holding each other.
- **Use Only the Mouth**: The cloth can only be picked up with the mouth. Any other form of contact results in a reset.
- **Stay Within the Roda**: Participants must remain within the boundaries of the roda.
- **Respect the Toque**: Players must move harmoniously with the berimbau rhythm.
- **Fair Play**: Honesty and respect are paramount. Cheating or unsportsmanlike behaviour is discouraged.
Toque of the Berimbau and Songs
The toque for Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico is energetic and fast-paced, creating an environment that fosters agility and quick reflexes. The following are a few traditional songs that might accompany the game:
1. **"Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico"**:
```
Apanha laranja no chão tico-tico,
Se meu amor foi embora eu não fico.
```
2. **"Tico-Tico no Fubá"**: A lively song that mirrors the quick movements of the game.
```
Tico-tico tá,
Tá outra vez,
Tico-tico no fubá...
```
3. **"Laranja Madura"**: A song about a ripe orange, fitting for the theme of the game.
```
Laranja madura,
Na beira da estrada,
Tá bichada Zé ou tem marimbondo no pé...
```
4. **"O Ladrão de Tico-Tico"**: A playful tune about a tico-tico bird, enhancing the playful atmosphere.
```
O ladrão de tico-tico,
Que roubou meu coração,
Quero ver se ele canta,
Na prisão da solidão...
```
Keeping the Ritual Alive
Today, Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico remains a vibrant part of Capoeira culture. Capoeira groups worldwide continue to teach this game to new generations. Workshops, festivals, and rodas dedicated to preserving traditional Capoeira practices often feature this game, highlighting its importance in the Capoeira repertoire.
Conclusion
**Apanha Laranja No Chão Tico-Tico** is more than just a game; it's a celebration of agility, strategy, and cultural heritage within Capoeira. By understanding its origins, rules, and the way it's preserved today, practitioners and enthusiasts can appreciate the depth and joy this ritual brings to the Capoeira community. Whether you're a seasoned Capoeirista or a curious newcomer, this game offers a delightful glimpse into the rich tapestry of Capoeira's traditions.