Meaning of Reteté (What it is, Concept and Definition)

Reteté or Retété is a physical manifestation practiced during religious services, mainly those connected with neo-Pentecostal churches in Brazil.

The reteté consists of displays of emotions in an exaggerated way which, according to their practitioners, are "manifestations of the Holy Spirit of God."

Singing, dancing disoriented, jumping, screaming, rolling on the floor, spinning, among other random movements are some of the typical characteristics of reteté.

This “movement” is also known as the “fire shoe” in some Brazilian states.

This term does not have a known etymological origin, however it is related to “uproar”, “mess”, “noise”, “party” and so on.

However, there is a conflict between the Pentecostal churches that practice reteté and the others, because, according to the traditional groups of this doctrine, reteté is blasphemy and disrespects the power of God.

Many people associate reteté with Umbanda or Candomblé – Afro-Brazilian religions – due to the fact that they resemble what they consider sacred in the manifestations of worship.

Learn more about the meaning of Pentecostal church.

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