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The Portuguese term praxe ( derived from the
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
, ), refers to the entirety of
student A student is a person enrolled in a school or other educational institution, or more generally, a person who takes a special interest in a subject. In the United Kingdom and most The Commonwealth, commonwealth countries, a "student" attends ...
tradition A tradition is a system of beliefs or behaviors (folk custom) passed down within a group of people or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common e ...
s at
universities A university () is an educational institution, institution of tertiary education and research which awards academic degrees in several Discipline (academia), academic disciplines. ''University'' is derived from the Latin phrase , which roughly ...
, particularly the
initiation Initiation is a rite of passage marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components. In an extended sense, it can also signify a transformatio ...
ritual A ritual is a repeated, structured sequence of actions or behaviors that alters the internal or external state of an individual, group, or environment, regardless of conscious understanding, emotional context, or symbolic meaning. Traditionally ...
s that freshmen undergo at some Portuguese institutions.


Description

''Praxe'' is practiced by various
higher education Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational schools ...
institutions across Portugal. Notable examples include the '' Queima das Fitas'' and its parade (''Cortejo da Queima''), as well as the '' Festa das Latas'' and the ''Latada'', where the
freshmen A freshman, fresher, first year, or colloquially frosh, is a person in the first year at an educational institution, usually a secondary school or at the college and university level, but also in other forms of post-secondary school, post-se ...
walk through the streets with cans tied to their feet. Another tradition involves the ripping of the traditional academic suit when students complete their first cycle of studies. The origins of ''praxe'' date back to the 14th century, but it gained prominence in the 16th century under the name "Investidas" at the
University of Coimbra The University of Coimbra (UC; , ) is a Public university, public research university in Coimbra, Portugal. First established in Lisbon in 1290, it went through a number of relocations until moving permanently to Coimbra in 1537. The university ...
, the oldest university in the country. ''Praxe'' is intended to introduce freshmen to the university community and help them overcome social inhibitions. Tradition, ritual, humor, joy, and parody are central elements of ''praxe''. Older students often create humorous situations and playful jokes involving freshmen, offering them a warm welcome through initiation rituals. ''Praxe'' typically takes place without the formal consent of universities, meaning that students are primarily responsible for organizing and maintaining praxe groups. These groups, led by "veterans" (older students), plan activities, rituals, traditions, gatherings, trips, meals, parties, and more, often without any oversight or involvement from the school administration, faculty, or other academic associations. In most Portuguese higher education institutions, male and female students participate in some gender-specific rituals to ensure dignity and respect. Most initiation rituals for freshmen are performed collectively to minimize opportunities for abuse. However, older students occasionally push ''praxe'' too far, turning initiation rituals, jokes, and traditions into acts of humiliation and violence, violating the established codes and values of ''praxe''.
Hazing Hazing (American English), initiation, beasting (British English), bastardisation (Australian English), ragging (South Asian English) or deposition refers to any activity expected of someone in joining or participating in a group that humiliates, ...
became a controversial issue in Portugal in 2014, following the death of six students at Praia do Meco (Meco Beach) in
Sesimbra Sesimbra () is a municipality of Portugal, in the Setúbal District, lying at the foothills of the ''Serra da Arrábida'', a mountain range between Setúbal and Sesimbra. Due to its particular position at the Península de Setúbal, Setúbal Bay, ...
in December 2013. The President of the ''
Associação Académica de Coimbra The Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC) is the students' union of the University of Coimbra (UC). Founded in Coimbra on November 3, 1887, it is the oldest students' union in Portugal. It is also the biggest Portuguese students' union belongin ...
'' and the ''Dux Veteranorum'' of
Coimbra Coimbra (, also , , or ), officially the City of Coimbra (), is a city and a concelho, municipality in Portugal. The population of the municipality at the 2021 census was 140,796, in an area of . The fourth-largest agglomerated urban area in Po ...
(the governing body of ''Praxe'' in
Coimbra Coimbra (, also , , or ), officially the City of Coimbra (), is a city and a concelho, municipality in Portugal. The population of the municipality at the 2021 census was 140,796, in an area of . The fourth-largest agglomerated urban area in Po ...
) have described such incidents as a violation of its principles, supporting legal action against perpetrators.TVI News report on the assault
One of the mottos of ''Praxe'' is ''Dura Praxis Sed Praxis'' (
Latin Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...
for "''The Praxe is harsh, but it is the Praxe''," akin to ''
dura lex sed lex References Further reading * * {{Latin phrases D ca:Locució llatina#D fr:Liste de locutions latines#D id:Daftar frasa Latin#D it:Locuzioni latine#D nl:Lijst van Latijnse spreekwoorden en uitdrukkingen#D pt:Lista de provérbios ...
''). These incidents have sparked criticism of ''Praxe'' and led to the formation of student organizations opposing it. With the expansion of higher education institutions across
Portugal Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. Featuring Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe, Portugal borders Spain to its north and east, with which it share ...
in the last quarter of the 20th century, the concept of ''Praxe'' has evolved, varying from university to university.
Coimbra Coimbra (, also , , or ), officially the City of Coimbra (), is a city and a concelho, municipality in Portugal. The population of the municipality at the 2021 census was 140,796, in an area of . The fourth-largest agglomerated urban area in Po ...
and
Porto Porto (), also known in English language, English as Oporto, is the List of cities in Portugal, second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon. It is the capital of the Porto District and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Porto c ...
claim to preserve the heritage of authentic academic traditions, often contrasting their practices with the newer customs adopted by younger universities and higher education institutions. An increasing number of institutions now organize alternative initiation events for freshmen, focusing on solidarity and
community service Community service is unpaid work performed by a person or group of people for the benefit and betterment of their community contributing to a noble cause. In many cases, people doing community service are compensated in other ways, such as gettin ...
activities. This approach is known as "Solidarity ''Praxis''" (''Praxe Solidária'').


History

The roots of ''Praxe'' trace back to the 14th century, when it was practiced by the clergy, significantly influencing the design of the academic attire.Qvid Praxis page on the Traje
/ref> However, ''Praxe'' gained recognition only in the 16th century, when it spread to Coimbra and was first named ''Investidas'' following the establishment of the university. From Coimbra, the tradition extended to Lisbon and
Porto Porto (), also known in English language, English as Oporto, is the List of cities in Portugal, second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon. It is the capital of the Porto District and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Porto c ...
in the 19th century, as these cities gained access to higher education. Students who transferred closer to home brought ''Praxe'' and its customs with them, further spreading the tradition. ''Praxe'' is widely recognized across Portugal and is practiced in higher education institutions of all types and origins throughout the country. As access to higher education expanded to more cities, the tradition continued to spread. Today, the rituals and customs of ''Praxe'' are replicated nationwide,Ordem Praxe e Academia
with each university or institution developing its own specific practices. Additionally, some ''Praxe''-related organizations have even achieved an international presence. The ritual burning of the ribbons at '' Queima das Fitas'', the tradition of ripping and tearing the academic attire of newly graduated students, the '' Festa das Latas'' with its ''Latada'' parade, the ''Cortejo da Queima'' parade at '' Queima das Fitas'', among many other rituals, festivals, and traditions, are all events associated with ''Praxe''.


Academic outfit

Although Coimbra's academic outfit is the traditional one and considered the symbol of a Portuguese higher education student, some Portuguese institutions have their own distinct academic attire, which differs significantly from that of the ancient University of Coimbra. For example, this is the case with the outfits worn by students at the University of the Algarve and Minho University. The academic outfit, known in Portuguese as "Traje Académico," consists of a
cassock The cassock, or soutane, is a Christian clerical clothing, clerical coat used by the clergy and Consecrated life, male religious of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, in addition to some clergy in ...
, black
pants Trousers (British English), slacks, or pants (American English, American, Canadian English, Canadian and Australian English) are an item of clothing worn from the waist to anywhere between the knees and the ankles, covering both legs separatel ...
, a black straight
tie Tie has two principal meanings: * Tie (draw), a finish to a competition with identical results, particularly sports * Necktie, a long piece of cloth worn around the neck or shoulders Tie or TIE may also refer to: Engineering and technology * T ...
or
bowtie The bow tie or dicky bow is a type of neckwear, distinguishable from a necktie because it does not drape down the shirt placket, but is tied just underneath a winged collar. A modern bow tie is tied using a common shoelace knot, which is also ...
(if the bowtie is worn, the vest is excluded), a black
vest A waistcoat ( UK and Commonwealth, or ; colloquially called a weskit) or vest ( US and Canada) is a sleeveless upper-body garment. It is usually worn over a dress shirt and necktie and below a coat as a part of most men's formal wear. It ...
with a back
buckle A buckle or clasp is a device used for fastening two loose ends, with one end attached to it and the other held by a catch in a secure but adjustable manner. Often taken for granted, the invention of the buckle was indispensable in securing two ...
, and a simple white shirt without motifs or cuff links, featuring buttons of the same color and a pocket on the left side. It is completed with black classical shoes and a straight black
cloak A cloak is a type of loose garment worn over clothing, mostly but not always as outerwear for outdoor wear, which serves the same purpose as an overcoat and protects the wearer from the weather. It may form part of a uniform. People in many d ...
for men. Women's outfits consist of a white straight shirt (similar to the men's, without cuff links), a black jacket with two pockets, a black skirt, a black tie,
stockings Stockings (also known as hose, especially in a historical context) are close-fitting, variously elastic garments covering the leg from the foot up to the knee or possibly part or all of the thigh. Stockings vary in color, design, and transparen ...
, and low-heeled shoes. The outfit, originally created for the students of the
University of Coimbra The University of Coimbra (UC; , ) is a Public university, public research university in Coimbra, Portugal. First established in Lisbon in 1290, it went through a number of relocations until moving permanently to Coimbra in 1537. The university ...
, is a key part of ''praxe'', symbolizing equality, respect, and humility. It originated from the attire worn by
monk A monk (; from , ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin ) is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery. A monk usually lives his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many reli ...
s, reflecting the influence of the clergy on education, which lasted until the 18th century. The outfit maintained a very similar appearance to the original until the 19th century, when more significant changes occurred, such as the shortening of the cassock. By the end of the century, long pants had become a permanent feature. There are several myths surrounding this outfit, such as the belief that the cloak should not be washed, as it represents the relinquishment of memories from academic life. This myth has been clarified by the ''Conselho de Veteranos'' of the University of Coimbra (the council responsible for protecting ''Praxe Académica''), which explained that students should, in fact, wash the cloak for hygienic purposes. Historically, students were also advised to look presentable while attending classes. The wearer can ask someone special to tear a small part of their cloak, symbolizing that person's importance in the student's academic life. The cloak is also used to show respect for the places one is in or the person one is with. The ultimate demonstration of academic respect is laying the cloak on the ground for someone to walk on.


Controversies


Criticism

However, ''Praxe Académica'' has been abused by some groups of students, regardless of whether they belong to large, ancient institutions or smaller ones. Some ''Praxe'' rituals have been accused of violating the principles set forth in the modern codes of ''praxe'', resembling
hazing Hazing (American English), initiation, beasting (British English), bastardisation (Australian English), ragging (South Asian English) or deposition refers to any activity expected of someone in joining or participating in a group that humiliates, ...
-like, sadistic practices designed to humiliate and demean freshmen. The tone of criticism surrounding ''Praxe'', however, can sometimes reach levels of "excessive humor" in response to the excessive practices associated with ''Praxe''.


Judicial proceedings

In the 2000s, students appealed to the Ministry of Higher Education, led by Mariano Gago, to seek justice for praxe abuse, as institutions often ignored their complaints. The first court case involving ''praxe'' abuse occurred in 2003 at the Escola Agrária de Santarém ( Instituto Politécnico de Santarém), where six students were involved in forcing a freshman to make facial contact with pig excrement. A school van was used in the process, driven by a
polytechnic A polytechnic is an educational institution that primarily focuses on vocational education, applied sciences, and career pathways. They are sometimes referred to as ''institutes of technology'', ''vocational institutes'', or ''universities of app ...
staff member. The students were convicted in 2008 of bodily harm and coercion. Other notable cases include one at the Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão ( Instituto Politécnico de Bragança) and another involving a female student at Instituto Piaget, where in December 2008, the court ordered the institution to pay nearly 40,000 euros to the student. Among the sadistic practices sometimes found in ''praxe'', specific humiliations of freshmen by older students are the most common. These may include forcing them to perform large numbers of push-ups, "kiss the ground," or stand in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods. There are also more extreme incidents, such as accounts of violence. For example, two freshmen from the
University of Coimbra The University of Coimbra (UC; , ) is a Public university, public research university in Coimbra, Portugal. First established in Lisbon in 1290, it went through a number of relocations until moving permanently to Coimbra in 1537. The university ...
were assaulted by older students, sparking a strong wave of criticism within the
Associação Académica de Coimbra The Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC) is the students' union of the University of Coimbra (UC). Founded in Coimbra on November 3, 1887, it is the oldest students' union in Portugal. It is also the biggest Portuguese students' union belongin ...
. In another case, eight freshmen had to hide from a mob of older students to avoid being harmed, an incident that later prompted police intervention. There are also instances where sexual acts are simulated between older students and freshmen, with older students assuming the role of the active participant. Refusing to participate in ''praxe'' also leads to consequences for freshmen, such as being excluded from ''praxe''-related traditions and activities and facing active discrimination within academic life, as freshmen are encouraged to shun those who are anti-''praxe''.Code of the Praxe
In 2001, Diogo Macedo, a 4th-year Architecture student at the Universidade Lusíada of Vila Nova de Famalicão, died from wounds caused by massive trauma to his spine. The coroner ruled that the injuries were inflicted by a blunt object during a ''praxe'' event. Judicial proceedings found the university guilty of failing to supervise such events on campus and awarded the parents of the deceased student 90,000 euros. Two suspects were arraigned as defendants, but in 2004, the case was closed due to insufficient evidence to proceed further. On the night of 15 December 2013, six members of an academic troupe from the private Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias drowned after being caught by a rogue wave at Meco beach. The sole survivor, João Gouveia, ''Dux Veteranorum'' of the ''praxe'' at Lusófona University, claimed temporary amnesia regarding the events. It was alleged that the students were caught by the wave while performing a hazing ritual related to ''praxe'' and academic tradition. João Gouveia was later judged to determine whether he was guilty of reckless endangerment. On 23 April 2014, during a ''praxe'' course face-off between Informatics Engineering and Medicine students at the Gualtar Campus of Universidade do Minho, four freshmen from Informatics Engineering climbed a 4-meter-wide by 1.5-meter-tall concrete wall to celebrate their victory. The wall collapsed within seconds, crushing three male Informatics Engineering students, aged between 18 and 21, who were standing at the bottom. The veteran students present were accused of homicide by negligence by the Public Ministry but were ultimately absolved by the Braga Court. On the night of 23 September 2015, a female freshman from the Universidade do Algarve was hospitalized in an alcoholic coma after
hazing Hazing (American English), initiation, beasting (British English), bastardisation (Australian English), ragging (South Asian English) or deposition refers to any activity expected of someone in joining or participating in a group that humiliates, ...
rituals in Faro, which involved burying the freshmen on the beach and forcing them to drink alcoholic beverages. Following the incident, the university initiated an internal investigation to determine disciplinary actions for those involved. The state prosecution also opened an inquiry into the events.


See also

*
Bullying Bullying is the use of force, coercion, Suffering, hurtful teasing, comments, or threats, in order to abuse, aggression, aggressively wikt:domination, dominate, or intimidate one or more others. The behavior is often repeated and habitual. On ...
* Deposition (university) *
Higher education in Portugal Higher education in Portugal is divided into two main subsystems: university and polytechnic education. It is provided in autonomous public and private universities, university institutes, polytechnic institutes and higher education institutio ...
*
Hazing Hazing (American English), initiation, beasting (British English), bastardisation (Australian English), ragging (South Asian English) or deposition refers to any activity expected of someone in joining or participating in a group that humiliates, ...
*
Initiation Initiation is a rite of passage marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components. In an extended sense, it can also signify a transformatio ...
*
University of Coimbra The University of Coimbra (UC; , ) is a Public university, public research university in Coimbra, Portugal. First established in Lisbon in 1290, it went through a number of relocations until moving permanently to Coimbra in 1537. The university ...
*
Homecoming Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence. It is a tradition in many high schools, colleges, and churches in the United States and Canada. United St ...
*
Orientation week Student orientation or new student orientation (often encapsulated into an orientation week, o-week, frosh week, welcome week or freshers' week) is a period before the start of an academic year at a university or tertiary education, tertiary ins ...


References


External links


Praxe Wiki

"Academia de Submissos", Youtube documentary film

"DUX" - José Pedro Vasconcelos - 5 Para a Meia Noite
{{in lang, pt Culture in Coimbra Education in Portugal Rites of passage Portuguese traditions