All about Candomblé – The African religion with strength in Brazil

The Brazilian dances to the sound of “Maimbê Dandá”, but also has the ability to say “chuta que é macumba”. It celebrates the day of Iemanjá, but in the same way it manages to associate Candomblé with the senseless death of animals. It is important to understand that these contradictions in the relationship between the people and African religions are the result of a mixture of prejudice and ignorance. It just doesn’t have to be that way! So, are you ready for a change? meet now all about Candomblé.

The origin and everything about Candomblé

This religion emerged about 500 years before Christ, in the city of Ifé, Nigeria. Adherents of the Yoruba religion believe that it was in Ife that the world was born. According to their mythology, in the early days of the world the orishas descended on Ifé, created humans and taught them to worship their creators. Want to know everything about Candomblé? So, follow the text!

Candomblé supporters

About three million people around the world are adept and understand everything about Candomblé. That’s because they follow this religion as a spiritual guide. And in addition to Brazil, other countries with a high concentration of “axé people” are Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

All about Candomblé and variations around the world

Candomblé is a typically African religion that does not have a formal system of laws and rules. Their traditions, rites and hierarchies are transmitted orally. Thus, it is natural that, over the years, Candomblé gains some variations, especially after the African diaspora. Among these variations are the Umbanda and Voodoo religions.

Umbanda is a typically Brazilian religion, while Vodou is a Haitian religion. The two religions are inspired by Candomblé and have some things in common. In both voodoo and Candomblé, humans can incorporate the orixás. At the same time, not everyone can incorporate the Orixás. It is the deities who choose their “mediums”.

Another coincidence between the two religions is the cult of Exu, the orixá responsible for taking the requests of men to the other orixás. Are you able to follow everything about Candomblé? Check out more!

Animal sacrifice and all about Candomblé

Animal sacrifice is allowed in Candomblé, as long as certain rites are followed. It is important to mention that dead animals are not offered to the Orixás, as many people believe. Only the viscera and parts unfit for consumption are “delivered” to the deities. Chickens, pigs and other animals are killed in the rituals, but their meat is used for human consumption, as is any meat purchased from butchers.

The different nations – understanding everything about Candomblé

The differences between Candomblé rituals are largely due to the different “nations” that established themselves in Brazil during the period of black slavery. The main nations are Nagô, Banta and Jeje.

Nago – Also called the Yoruba nation, it has a large community in Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Alagoas and Maranhão.
The Nagô are descendants of enslaved people who lived freely in Yorubaland (in what is now southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo).

Banta – The Bantu nation is originally formed by descendants of enslaved people who spoke Kimbundu, Umbundu and Kikongo. Most lived in Angola or Congo.

Jeje – These are all African peoples who do not belong to either the Nagô nation or the Banta.

Now you know everything about Candomblé, check it out too: