The burial of Silvio Santosheld on Sunday, August 18, was not only a farewell moment, but also a celebration of the life of one of the greatest icons of Brazilian television. The son of Jewish immigrants who arrived in Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century, Silvio was born in 1930, in the Lapa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Throughout his life, he built a legacy that made him a deeply beloved figure by the Brazilian public.
The ceremony followed Jewish traditions, reflecting Silvio’s strong connection to his family roots. The presenter has always maintained a close bond with his cultural heritage, transmitting values that were fundamental in the formation of his personality and his successful career. His departure was marked by a ritual that respected these traditions, held at the Jewish Cemetery of Butantã, in São Paulo.
Preparation
From the moment the death of Silvio Santos was announced, the Jewish community mobilized to ensure that the rituals were conducted properly. The Chevra Kadisha, a group dedicated to taking care of the religious, civil and legal burial preparations, took responsibility, demonstrating the respect and admiration that Silvio inspired.
Silvio’s body was treated with the dignity he always demonstrated during his lifetime. Following Jewish tradition, he was washed and wrapped in a white shroud, symbolizing purity and humility, characteristics that marked his public career. His coffin remained closed during the wake, which was a private event, reserved for family and close friends only, in respect of family privacy and intimacy.
Burial
The burial took place on Sunday, the day after Silvio’s death, as Jewish tradition requires when a death occurs on a Saturday, a holy day of rest. This practice highlights the importance of time in Judaism, reflecting the urgency with which rituals are performed to honor the natural cycle of life and death.
Even in your last goodbye, Silvio Santos was remembered for the simplicity and equality he always defended. The ceremony was held without floral decorations, following the Jewish belief that everyone should be treated equally in death, avoiding any form of ostentation. The gesture of his family, throwing handfuls of earth on the coffin, was a symbol of respect and farewell to a man who touched the lives of millions of Brazilians.
After the burial, family members performed the ritual of washing their hands, an act that symbolizes the continuity of life, a message that Silvio Santos always conveyed in his public appearances. The hands were left to dry naturally, a gesture that maintains the spiritual link with the deceased.
Silvio Santoswho enchanted generations of Brazilians with his joy and charisma, passed away at the age of 93 at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, in São Paulo, victim of bronchopneumonia caused by an Influenza (H1N1) infection. His departure left a huge gap in the heart of Brazil, but his legacy lives on.
With information from Agência Brasil,
Summary for those in a hurry:
- Silvio Santos’ burial followed Jewish traditions, according to the Torah.
- Ceremony held at the Butantã Israelite Cemetery, with rituals of respect and dignity.
- The body was prepared with ritual washing and wrapped in a white shroud, symbolizing purity.
- The burial took place on Sunday, after his death on Saturday, as per tradition.
- Ceremony without ornamentation, following the belief of equality in death.
- Silvio Santos died at the age of 93, victim of bronchopneumonia caused by Influenza (H1N1).
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
