”

_ You know why the English are so punctual and the Brazilians always late?

(silence etc.. and such)

This is the invention of the “portable clock”.

Become the “owner of time” has been a revolution in Europe.

But these watches were expensive and many men wore only a bright stream crossed from one pocket to another vest just to make everyone think they have money to buy the coveted new.

In England, once the possession of a watch became a status symbol of affluence, and started to be a shame someone does not have one.

Therefore, if a gentleman came ahead or behind some compromise, it was certain that the snobs would look at him with that air of one who is thinking:

“Hmm .. that there is nothing but a pauper … not have a watch!”.

_ And the Brazilians (and Italians, Spanish, French, etc) are always late?

_ For the same reason.

There and in all Catholic countries, the time could not be controlled by anyone, only by the Church.

Thus, everyone could only find out the time to hear the ringing of bells.

And then the rich ones used to be a bit late on purpose for everyone  learn that they were powerful and free control of the Church.

Linger was to make everybody else wait for the most important person. ”

Because of this, no self-respecting bride who arrives on time for the wedding!

”

(©Pedro Bandeira, presenting book Barbara Soalheiro_ PandaBooks2007)