The tune of our beloved 'Happy Birthday' song has undergone a transformation over time, resulting in a unique rendition in Portuguese that is still sung today. As Brazil is a country with continental proportions, it's no surprise that its residents have put their own twist on this timeless classic.

In the early 1940s, a Brazilian named Berta Celeste Homem de Melo composed a Portuguese version of 'Happy Birthday to You,' which would eventually become the standard. This talented individual didn't just stop at writing songs; she also worked as a pharmacist in her hometown and had a daughter. Despite leading a simple life, Melo's hidden talent for composing poems and jingles that stuck with people was unknown to many.

Melo's creation won a contest organized by Almirante, a Brazilian radio personality who hosted a show on the Tupi network in Rio de Janeiro. The competition aimed to select the best birthday song in Portuguese, and Melo's unique composition stood out among more than 5,000 entries. Her version featured a different verse in every line, making it stand out from the rest.

Interestingly, before this contest, people in Brazil would sing the original English version of 'Happy Birthday' at parties, often with varying degrees of proficiency. It wasn't until Berta Melo's creation gained popularity that the Portuguese version became widely accepted and sung with pride.

Despite her success, Melo had a surprising reaction to people singing 'Happy Birthday' in Portuguese - she got angry! This was largely due to the fact that her composition was an adaptation from the original 'Good Morning to All,' created by American sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in 1893. As a result, many Brazilians were initially hesitant to adopt this new version.

Today, Melo's creation remains the go-to birthday song in Portuguese, with its catchy melody and rhyming verses making it a joy to sing. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere of a party, the 'Birthday Song in Portuguese' is sure to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So, the next time you find yourself singing 'Happy Birthday' in Portuguese, remember Berta Celeste Homem de Melo, the talented pharmacist who brought this unique rendition to life. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of Brazilians and music lovers around the world.

Birthday song in portuguese lyrics