{{Short description|Student traditions in universities}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}} [[File:Coimbra Queima das Fitas.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Coimbra's ''Queima das Fitas'' parade. Nearly graduated medicine (orthodontology in this particular case) students and their decorated float.]] [[File:Baptismo praxe2005.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Freshman being "baptized" by older students]] The Portuguese term '''praxe''' ({{IPA|pt|ˈpɾaʃɨ|}} derived from the Greek {{lang|el|πρᾶξις|italic=no}}, {{lang|el-latn|praxis}}), refers to the entirety of student traditions at universities, particularly the initiation rituals that freshmen undergo at some Portuguese institutions.
== Description == ''Praxe'' is practiced by various higher education institutions across Portugal.<ref name="praxe-porto">{{cite web |url = http://pwp.netcabo.pt/qvidpraxis/portopraxe.html |title = O Porto e a Praxe |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080917122548/http://pwp.netcabo.pt/qvidpraxis/portopraxe.html |archivedate = 17 September 2008 |work = QvidPraxis |language=pt}}</ref> 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 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"<ref name="green">{{cite web |url = http://www.regiaocentro.net/lugares/coimbra/praxe/default.asp |title = Praxe Académica |author = Henrique Tigo |work = Portal RegiaoCentro.net |url-status = dead |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071107080816/http://www.regiaocentro.net/lugares/coimbra/praxe/default.asp |archivedate = 7 November 2007 }}</ref> at the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in the country.
''Praxe'' is intended to introduce freshmen to the university community and help them overcome social inhibitions.<ref name="green" /><ref name="white">{{cite web |url = http://pwp.netcabo.pt/qvidpraxis/praxe.html |title = O que é a Praxe Académica? |work = QvidPraxis |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081210235525/http://pwp.netcabo.pt/qvidpraxis/praxe.html |archivedate = 10 December 2008 |language=pt}}</ref> 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''.<ref name="white" /> Hazing became a controversial issue in Portugal in 2014, following the death of six students at Praia do Meco (Meco Beach) in Sesimbra in December 2013.
The President of the ''Associação Académica de Coimbra'' and the ''Dux Veteranorum'' of Coimbra (the governing body of ''Praxe'' in Coimbra) have described such incidents as a violation of its principles, supporting legal action against perpetrators.<ref name="black">[http://www.tvi.iol.pt/informacao/noticia.php?id=809468 TVI News report on the assault] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017001301/http://www.tvi.iol.pt/informacao/noticia.php?id=809468 |date=17 October 2007 }} {{in lang|pt}}</ref> One of the mottos of ''Praxe'' is ''Dura Praxis Sed Praxis'' (Latin for "''The Praxe is harsh, but it is the Praxe''," akin to ''dura lex sed lex''). 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 in the last quarter of the 20th century, the concept of ''Praxe'' has evolved, varying from university to university. Coimbra and Porto 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 activities. This approach is known as "Solidarity ''Praxis''" (''Praxe Solidária'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.causas.net/index.php?fastid=gbctdv6r20hroeeg0c7q3ieel0&check_cookie=true&option=com_content&task=view&id=390&Itemid=72|title=causas.net|website=www.causas.net|accessdate=9 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brigantia.pt/index.php?option=com_eventlist&Itemid=37&func=details&did=359|title=Rádio Brigantia -|website=www.brigantia.pt|accessdate=9 May 2019}}</ref> {{Failed verification|date=October 2009}}
== History == The roots of ''Praxe'' trace back to the 14th century, when it was practiced by the clergy,<ref name="green"/> significantly influencing the design of the academic attire.<ref name="bloo">[http://pwp.netcabo.pt/qvidpraxis/traje.html Qvid Praxis page on the Traje]</ref> {{Failed verification|date=October 2009}} 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.<ref name="green"/> From Coimbra, the tradition extended to Lisbon and Porto 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.<ref name="praxe-porto"/>
''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,{{dead link|date=September 2015}}<ref name="blue">[http://opa.praxe.org/ Ordem Praxe e Academia] {{in lang|pt}}</ref> with each university or institution developing its own specific practices. Additionally, some ''Praxe''-related organizations have even achieved an international presence.<ref name="blue" />
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, black pants, a black straight tie or bowtie (if the bowtie is worn, the vest is excluded), a black vest with a back buckle, 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 for men.<ref name="green" /> 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, and low-heeled shoes.<ref name="green" />
The outfit, originally created for the students of the University of Coimbra, is a key part of ''praxe'', symbolizing equality, respect, and humility.<ref name="green" /> It originated from the attire worn by monks,<ref name="bloo" /> {{Failed verification|date=October 2009}} 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.<ref name="bloo" /> By the end of the century, long pants had become a permanent feature.<ref name="bloo" /> {{Failed verification|date=October 2009}}
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.<ref name="bloo"/> 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.<ref name="bloo"/>{{Failed verification|date=October 2009}}
== 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'',<ref name="green"/> resembling hazing-like, sadistic practices designed to humiliate and demean freshmen.
The tone of criticism surrounding ''Praxe'', however, can sometimes reach levels of "excessive humor"<ref>5meianoite (5Feb2014), ''[https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6nVjsGXBoQ "DUX" - José Pedro Vasconcelos - 5 Para a Meia Noite]'', humour video RTP1-directo, uploaded to YouTube by 5meianoite user</ref> in response to the excessive practices associated with ''Praxe''.<ref>Andreia Sanches, Catarina Gomes (22Jan2014), ''[http://www.publico.pt/sociedade/noticia/investigacao-ao-acidente-do-meco-muda-de-maos-e-passa-a-estar-em-segredo-de-justica-1620599 Investigação ao acidente do Meco muda de mãos e passa a estar em segredo de justiça]'' (6 died), in journal "Publico.pt", 2014</ref>
=== 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 staff member. The students were convicted in 2008 of bodily harm and coercion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Policia/Interior.aspx?content_id=1325034 |url-status=dead|title= Relação de Évora condena praxes violentas|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002124317/http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Policia/Interior.aspx?content_id=1325034 |archivedate=2 October 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> Other notable cases include one at the Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (Instituto Politécnico de Bragança)<ref>Fernando Basto, [https://jn.sapo.pt/2005/11/22/sociedade/praxe_santarem_ser_primeiro_caso_tri.html Praxe de Santarém vai ser primeiro caso em tribunal], ''Jornal de Notícias'' (22 November 2005)</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimahora.publico.clix.pt/noticia.aspx?id=1352180&idCanal=58|title=Piaget condenado a pagar 40 mil euros a aluna vítima de praxe]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209042646/http://ultimahora.publico.clix.pt/noticia.aspx?id=1352180&idCanal=58|date=9 December 2008|archive-date=9 December 2008|work=Público|accessdate=9 May 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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.<ref>[http://www.noticiasdevilareal.com/noticias/listar_detalhes.php?id=2415 News Article on Praxe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105191147/http://www.noticiasdevilareal.com/noticias/listar_detalhes.php?id=2415 |date=5 November 2007 }} {{in lang|pt}}</ref> There are also more extreme incidents, such as accounts of violence. For example, two freshmen from the University of Coimbra were assaulted by older students, sparking a strong wave of criticism within the Associação Académica de Coimbra.<ref name="black"/><ref>[http://www.portugaldiario.iol.pt/noticia.php?id=809413&div_id=291 Another news report on the same assault] {{in lang|pt}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2009}} 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.<ref>[http://sic.aeiou.pt/online/arquivo/2007/10/vida/1/Praxe+violenta.htm SIC news report on the incident]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{in lang|pt}}</ref> {{Failed verification|date=October 2009}} There are also instances where sexual acts are simulated between older students and freshmen, with older students assuming the role of the active participant.<ref>[http://adsl.tvtel.pt/antipodas/imagens.htm Antipodas Anti Praxe Movement] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025070635/http://adsl.tvtel.pt/antipodas/imagens.htm |date=25 October 2007 }} {{in lang|pt}}</ref> 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''.<ref name="turlte">[http://www.aaum.pt/images/Docs/CodigodaPraxe.pdf Code of the Praxe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218200425/http://www.aaum.pt/images/Docs/CodigodaPraxe.pdf |date=18 February 2008 }} {{in lang|pt}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2009}}
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jn.pt/sociedade/interior/universidade-paga-indemnizacao-por-morte-de-aluno-em-praxe-1373990.html|title=Universidade paga indemnização por morte de aluno em praxe|website=www.jn.pt|accessdate=9 May 2019}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsf.pt/vida/interior/afogamento-dos-estudantes-do-meco-gera-muitas-perguntas-sem-resposta-3643403.html|title=Afogamento dos estudantes do Meco gera muitas perguntas sem resposta|website=www.tsf.pt|accessdate=9 May 2019}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/portugal/detalhe/alerta-cm--alunos-da-universidade-do-minho-absolvidos-por-morte-de-colegas|title=Alunos da Universidade do Minho absolvidos por mortes de colegas|website=www.cmjornal.pt|accessdate=16 November 2019}}</ref>
On the night of 23 September 2015, a female freshman from the Universidade do Algarve was hospitalized in an alcoholic coma after hazing 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dn.pt/inicio/portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=4798916&page=1 |title=Ministério Público abriu inquérito a praxe que deixou caloira do Algarve em coma alcoólico - Portugal - DN |accessdate=27 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928003603/http://www.dn.pt/inicio/portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=4798916&page=1 |archivedate=28 September 2015 |df=dmy-all }} </ref>
== See also == * Bullying * Deposition (university) * Higher education in Portugal * Hazing * Initiation * University of Coimbra * Homecoming * Orientation week
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20220331080424/http://wiki.praxe.org/ Praxe Wiki] {{in lang|pt}} * [https://www.youtube.com/embed/OzpC2wgevI0 "Academia de Submissos", Youtube documentary film] {{in lang|pt}} * [https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6nVjsGXBoQ "DUX" - José Pedro Vasconcelos - 5 Para a Meia Noite] {{in lang|pt}}
Category:Culture in Coimbra Category:Education in Portugal Category:Educational rites of passage Category:Portuguese traditions