Dias

"Matan�a" at the Dias House.

"A matan�a" was ususally one of the most festive days of the year.  This important event occurred around January because of the cool weather that helped keep the pork products from spoiling until they were stored in salt or smoked. 
Usually all the relatives were invited to help.  While the grown-ups worked, the children enjoyed the time together to play.  Since toys and soccer balls were scarce or just plane inexistent, the pig's bladder was filled up with air and used as a ball.
This picture was taken in front of the house of Ant�nio Dias, on Ribeira d'Agua, in Rosais.  The adults in the picture are left to right: Manuel Dias, Manuel Silveira Sanches Amaro, Miguel Silveira Bettencourt, Jos� Silveira Bettencourt, Vital Silveira Bettencourt, J�lio Borges, and Ant�nio Dias.  I believe most of the children in the picture are children of Manuel Dias and Deolinda Soares.

Fotografia da direita:  Manuel Dias e a sua fam�lia, irm� e m�e.
Da esquerda para a direita:  Jos� Dias, Rosa Dias, David Dias, Vit�ria Dias, Maria do Ros�rio Dias, Manuel Dias, Deolinda Soares Dias, Maria das Dores Dias, Maria das Dores Silveira Amarante, Ant�nio Dias.

Manuel Dias foi sempre uma pessoa muito respeitada na freguesia.  Por muitos anos tomou conta da Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Ros�rio, ocupou o cargo de  Regedor da freguesia, e ajudava muitas pessoas nas Velas no Registo Civil a achar documentos prediais e certidoes.

A Familia de Manuel Dias