The History behind Brasil's name

The name of my country is Brasil or Brazil in English. It is located in South America and is the only country in the Americas which Portuguese is the first language. The capital is Brasília, located along the Brazilian highlands in the country's midwest region. 

Brazil is not even its very first name or second for that matter.  It was thought orginally to be on island when the Portuguese came here, so they called it Ilha de Vera Cruz (Vera Cruz Island).  Then when they discovered that it was not an island, the Portuguese changed the name to Terra de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Land).

Eventually, "Pau Brasil" was discovered.  It was a widespread tree that the Portguese found to be very valuable.  Why? "Pau Brasil" trunk is red.  At that time in history this was a very expensive color of the rainbow.  And they  used "Pau Brasil" for dye.  Later changing the name to Brasil.  According to a teacher I had, it is the only country to be named after a tree .  

"Pau" on the other hand has many meanings: Penis, or "pau duro" which means a hard-on for example. My grandmother of 95 years old uses the word "pau" meaning all sorts of things, especially anything wooden made, such as colher-de-pau: Portuguese for wooden spoon.  I think it is more instilled into her very language, because "Pau Brasil" was very important (heheh for many reasons).  It is mostly used in modern language for penis and sexuality. 

I pretty much enjoy the exotic stereotype of my country, but on the other hand it is not fun living here. We have the highest taxes, the highest fees on public services, there is no quality in regular school education, and poor public safety. Owning a car is way too expensive and don't get me started on owning properties. If there is any Brazilian way of life, I must tell you that this is not a fun lifestyle. Not at all. 

This post is inspired by Nina's Post @ http://ninadiasporaofthesky.blogspot.com.br/