Umbanda is a brazilian religion formed through elements of other religions such as Catholicism or Spiritism, also joining elements of African and indigenous culture.
The word is derived from "u'mban”, a term meaning “healer” in the Bantu language spoken in Angola, Kimbundu. Umbanda originates from the slave quarters in meetings where slaves from Africa praised their gods through dances and chants and incorporated spirits.
Umbanda worship is held in temples, terreiros or appropriate Centers for the meeting of practitioners where they sing songs and make use of musical instruments such as the atabaque. Despite this, when Umbanda was created, there were no musical manifestations, such as chanting and the use of instruments.
The cult is presided over by a male or female head. During the sessions, support and guidance consultations are carried out for those who use the terreiro, mediumistic practices with incorporation of spiritual entities and other rituals.
The cult is similar to Candomblé, however, they are religions that have different practices.
Over time, Umbanda has undergone transformations and has been demarcating itself from other religions. It also created branches, some of which are described as: Traditional Umbanda: created in Rio de Janeiro by the young Zélio Fernandino de Moraes; Umbandomblé or Umbanda traced: where the same priest can perform different sessions of Umbanda or Candomblé; white umbanda: uses spiritist elements, kardecists and the adepts wear white clothes; Caboclo Umbanda: strong influence of Brazilian indigenous culture.
See also:
- All about Umbanda
- meaning of spiritism
- Definition of Candomblé
- Yemanja
- Who is Oxossi
- What is Religious Diversity?
