Discover the African rituals that most influence Brazil

Umbanda, a typically Brazilian religion, is very rich in manifestations and symbols. But what are the origins and explanations of these manifestations? Much of it is due to African rituals brought to Brazil by enslaved blacks. Let’s get to know a little more about these beautiful traditions? Check it out below:

Beating drums in African rituals

The beating of drums is one of the African rituals that is not only linked to Umbanda and Candomblé, but also to many other characteristics of Brazilian culture. African tribes use drums to communicate with each other and to communicate with the dead. The oldest known African drum model is the Djembê, created around the year 500.

Dancing samba in African rituals

You didn `t see it coming! Samba is also part of African rituals. The word samba is actually a Portuguese version of the Bantu (an African language) word “semba”. Semba, in turn, means “navel”. But why would a dance be called “navel”? Because, in Africa, semba is danced in pairs, with bodies meeting or, as they say, with “navel touches”.

Eating acarajé and abará in African rituals

Eating this fried or boiled dumpling is also an African ritual. These delicacies are prepared to be given as gifts to the orixás. Today they are icons of Bahia and the “baianas de acarajé”.

Playing the berimbau in African rituals

The berimbau is an ancient African instrument, dating back to 1500 BC. He was raised in Angola and today is a central part of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art of African origin.

Playing conch shells in African rituals

The game of cowries is a typically African ritual linked to Candomblé. The most common practice is to throw 16 whelks on a board and analyze where and how they fell. It is believed that the orixás determine the way in which the shells are placed on the board, in order to communicate with the “medium”.

Believing in quibungo in African rituals

The quibungo (or chibungo) is an African myth that arrived in Brazil through the enslaved. Today, it is part of Brazilian folklore, especially in the states of the Northeast region.

According to legend, quibungo is a monster, half human and half beast, that eats children and women. Like other similar legends, it is a way of scaring children into behaving.

The quibungo has a large hole in its back, where it throws its victims to be eaten. In some states in the Northeast, the term chibungo has become a pejorative synonym for homosexuals.

Educating young people in African rituals

Education is part of the maturing ritual of young Africans. In the Gulf of Guinea education included the acquisition of moral virtues; manual, technical and warrior skills; artisanal, commercial or mystical activities.

Each of these skills had a practical objective: to make life easier for young people in the communities in which they lived and, at the same time, to enable them to collaborate with society. Training also included the development of body and social skills, obedience to orders and respect for relatives and authorities.

Now that you know a little more about the main African rituals in Brazil, check out: