Candomble is a word that describes a dance in honor of the gods. This religion traces its origin to Fon, Bantu and Yoruba. The history of Candomble states that it emerged as slaves who originated from Africa tried to maintain their traditional way of worship. The practices are heavily influenced by Catholicism. Despite not having a sacred scripture it has managed to gather over two million followers.
Slaves who were transported to Brazil from Africa are credited with carrying their religious practices to South America. Most of their slave masters were Catholics and did not allow slave to continue with their religious practices. They forced them to convert to Christianity. The slaves resulted to practicing their traditional rituals in disguise. They integrated them with Catholicism which was dominant among slave owners.
As late as 1970s, African decadents were persecuted for following the blend of religion in Brazil. It is after formal recognition that this religion has gained popularity. The city that is most popular with this form of worship is Salvador da Bahia. Many Africans in Brazil still visit this city as they seek to know their history.
While it is termed as religion, many blacks still identify Candomble as a cultural practice and identity. This has seen a push to purge the religion of any practices that are borrowed from Christianity in order to make it purely African. The followers have a God referred to as Oludumare who has deities called Orixas that serve him.
Followers do not have a concept of good and bad. They only believe that if you do the wrong things, you will face the consequences. Each person has a responsibility and a goal to carry out. This goal is a destiny that is controlled by Orixas. The Orixas is also your protector.
Worship is through songs and dances, a situation that allows Orixas to take possession. Orixas are not regarded as gods. They are spirits of departed ancestors either known to you or unknown. These dead ancestors act as intermediaries between human beings and the spiritual world. They also are referred to as Inkices and Vinduns.
Orixas are connected to natural forces like food and animals. A worshiper displays a personality or character depending on his or her Orixas. All Orixas are referred to by the name Egungun or Baba Egum. Baba Egum control morality in the society and is supposed to ensure that this morality is perpetuated over generations.
Worship happens by priests and priestesses disguising themselves as Egums. The way to summon Orixas to possess a worshiper is through particular songs and dances. A worshiper under the influence of Orixas will get into a trance and enact certain community practices. The trance ends when the Orixas has completed his mission and left the worshiper.
Women have a privileged position within the religion and are referred to as mothers of the holy one. It is their responsibility to train future priestesses and also lead dances. Worship happens in terreiros or temples which comprises of designated places for different gods and very specific indoor and outdoor spaces. A worshiper is required to use clean cloths when entering the temple and sprinkle water at the door in order to eliminate external dirt or impurities.
Slaves who were transported to Brazil from Africa are credited with carrying their religious practices to South America. Most of their slave masters were Catholics and did not allow slave to continue with their religious practices. They forced them to convert to Christianity. The slaves resulted to practicing their traditional rituals in disguise. They integrated them with Catholicism which was dominant among slave owners.
As late as 1970s, African decadents were persecuted for following the blend of religion in Brazil. It is after formal recognition that this religion has gained popularity. The city that is most popular with this form of worship is Salvador da Bahia. Many Africans in Brazil still visit this city as they seek to know their history.
While it is termed as religion, many blacks still identify Candomble as a cultural practice and identity. This has seen a push to purge the religion of any practices that are borrowed from Christianity in order to make it purely African. The followers have a God referred to as Oludumare who has deities called Orixas that serve him.
Followers do not have a concept of good and bad. They only believe that if you do the wrong things, you will face the consequences. Each person has a responsibility and a goal to carry out. This goal is a destiny that is controlled by Orixas. The Orixas is also your protector.
Worship is through songs and dances, a situation that allows Orixas to take possession. Orixas are not regarded as gods. They are spirits of departed ancestors either known to you or unknown. These dead ancestors act as intermediaries between human beings and the spiritual world. They also are referred to as Inkices and Vinduns.
Orixas are connected to natural forces like food and animals. A worshiper displays a personality or character depending on his or her Orixas. All Orixas are referred to by the name Egungun or Baba Egum. Baba Egum control morality in the society and is supposed to ensure that this morality is perpetuated over generations.
Worship happens by priests and priestesses disguising themselves as Egums. The way to summon Orixas to possess a worshiper is through particular songs and dances. A worshiper under the influence of Orixas will get into a trance and enact certain community practices. The trance ends when the Orixas has completed his mission and left the worshiper.
Women have a privileged position within the religion and are referred to as mothers of the holy one. It is their responsibility to train future priestesses and also lead dances. Worship happens in terreiros or temples which comprises of designated places for different gods and very specific indoor and outdoor spaces. A worshiper is required to use clean cloths when entering the temple and sprinkle water at the door in order to eliminate external dirt or impurities.
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