Candomblé is Afro-Brazilian religion in which the worship of deities of African origin called orixás is practiced. Thus, despite having been born in Bahia, in the 19th century, Candomblé was formed from the African religious traditions of Yoruba peoples. These traditions were brought to Brazil by enslaved black populations from West African countries such as Nigeria, Benin and Togo.
You candomblé rituals they are held in places of worship called terreiros, led by a saint's father or mother. During the ceremonies, called touches, the participants sing and dance, and the saint-children incorporate the orixás. Most of these ceremonies follow a fixed calendar and are done in homage to the deities.
You candombléists (name given to followers of Candomblé) are divided into nations, including congo, nagô, angola, ijexá, jeje and ketu. Nations are segments of religion and differ from each other by their rituals, songs and clothing.
Bahian Candomblé is not the only religion born from the traditions of the Yoruba peoples. In Pernambuco, the cult of orixás is called xangô; in Rio Grande do Sul, by drumming; in Maranhão, by drum-de-mina. These very similar Afro-Brazilian cults are generically called "religions of the orixás".
Candomblé and Umbanda
Both religions emerged in Brazil and carry in their identity elements of African religious traditions. However, despite the similarities, there are many differences between the two religions. To begin with, suffice it to say that Umbanda is the result of a mixture of elements from other religions, such as Catholicism and Kardecist spiritism. Candomblé is more linked to African religious traditions.
Let's look at the main differences between the two religions:
| Candomblé | Umbanda |
|---|---|
| Born in Bahia, in the 19th century | Born in Rio de Janeiro, at the beginning of the 20th century |
| In rituals, the orixás participate | In rituals, there is participation of entities (disincarnated spirits) |
| Formed by African religious traditions | Made up of African, Spiritist, Catholic and Indigenous religious elements |
| More linked to African culture | More linked to Brazilian culture |
| There is no syncretism between orixás and catholic saints | There is syncretism between orixás and catholic saints |
| Animal sacrifice is practiced | Animal sacrifice is not practiced |
| The spiritual service is done through the games of cowries or opelé | Spiritual care is done through incorporated mediums |
know All about Umbanda and religious diversity.
Candomblé Orixás
Candomblé followers believe that the orixás are deities that received from the supreme god Olorum (or Olodumare) the task of creating and governing the world. Each orixá is associated with a certain aspect of life in society or an element of nature. The Yoruba pantheon is formed by hundreds of orixás, although not all of them are worshiped in Brazil.
Let's see some of the main orixás worshiped in Candomblé:
| orixás | Main features |
|---|---|
| hopefully | Known as the "orixá of the orixás", it was the first orixá to be created by Olorum. He is the creator of the world and humanity. Its color is white. |
| Yemanja | Perhaps the most famous orixá in Brazil, Iemanjá is the sovereign of the seas and oceans. Its colors are light blue and white. |
| ogun | Ogun is the ruler of metallurgy and war. Generally speaking, it is associated with work and struggle. Colors: blue, white and green. |
| Oxossi | Oxossi is the orixá of hunting, lord of forests, plants and animals. His color is light blue. |
| Oxum | Orixá of fresh waters, Oshun represents motherhood, love, fertility and prosperity. His color is yellow. |
| eshu | Eshu is the messenger orixá, responsible for communication between humans and gods. Colors: black and red. |
| Nana | Elderly Orixá, guardian of ancestral knowledge. She is the owner of the lamas from which human beings were made. Colors: purple, blue, white and lilac. |
| iansan | Lady of the winds, storms, lightning and thunder. She is also the guide of the spirits of the dead. Colors: brown and red. |
| obaluaê | Also known as Omulu, he is the lord of pests. He can generate the disease or cure it (orisha healer). Colors: black, white and red. |
| Ossaim | Ossaim (or Ossanha) is the orixá of medicinal herbs and plants, responsible for healing. Its colors are green and white. |
| Oxumare | Controls rainfall and soil fertility. It is associated with the rainbow and the snake. It's male and female at the same time. Colors: of the rainbow. |
| Shango | Lord of thunder, Shango is the orixá of justice. His symbol is the ax and its colors are brown and red. |
| Logunedé | Orixá of love and brotherhood, Logunedé is, at the same time, male (hunter) and female (nymph). Colors: yellow and blue. |
Learn more about orixás Oxossi, ogun, Yemanja, Oxum and eshu.
Candomblé Rituals
Rituals are led by the saint-mother or Holy Father. They are often characterized by dances in worship of the orixá, which incarnate in the saint's son or daughter. Candomblé festivals and public ceremonies are called ringtones. Throughout the year, various parties are promoted in the Candomblé terreiros, whether fixed parties in honor of an orixá or initiation rituals.
The touches in honor of the orixás usually start in the morning, with animal sacrifices. The animal's blood is offered to the orixá, while its meat is prepared to be served to the faithful. Afterwards, there is a offering to Exu, orixá that has the power to open the paths. During the party, the orixás are honored with songs and dances, always to the sound of drums. There is a moment when the orixás themselves "take" their children's bodies to participate in the party - a phenomenon known as possession.
Candomblé rituals are part of Brazilian culture and occur in all regions of Brazil.
See too:
- Definition of Umbanda
- Definition of Orixás
- Definition of African Culture
- meaning of macumba
- Yemanja