Learn how an Umbanda terreiro works – Blog

Many people get scared when they hear someone talking about going to a terreiro of umbanda. However, they do not know how this spiritual house can be special for the personal growth of the human being. This is due to the prejudice that exists over this word, but it is not very different from another spiritual temple, for example. Want to know more? Then read this article!

What is an Umbanda terreiro?

To begin with, the word “terreiro” comes from earth and means an extensive space of beaten earth. And, in the beginning, the terreiros were like that: generally, located in extensive backyards, with dirt, in which the mediums practiced their cult with their feet on the ground. And this tradition of taking off your shoes inside a terreiro continues to this day, even when the terreiros are made of flooring, not earth. This practice is a way of connecting with the ground and with our own roots.

A terreiro is, therefore, a place where the gira, which is the Umbanda religious cult, takes place. Generally, it is located in an urban space, and its interior space is usually painted in white, which is the color that symbolizes Umbanda and refers to peace.

The size of a yard varies. A terreiro can be very large and have many mediums – there are terreiros that hold more than 50 mediums, in addition to the people who will be consulted. Expenses with the terreiro are usually divided among the children of saints.

What are the areas of an Umbanda terreiro?

The terreiro usually has a large hall where services are held. This hall must have a space to accommodate the assistance, which are the people who go to the terreiro in search of spiritual help. But, in addition to the main hall, there are other important spaces for the functioning of a terreiro.

There is, for example, the mediums’ room, which is the space where they change clothes, leave their belongings and even “lower” their works of firmness.

There is also, at the entrance of a terreiro, a firmness for the Exus – the famous “Casinha dos Exus” – and there may be for other phalanges as well, such as Pretos Velhos and Caboclos.
But the heart of a terreiro is its congá!

Congá is the Yoruba word for altar. In the congá is where the images, candles and other artifacts of power are kept. They are usually decorated according to the house party. In front of the congá, the children “beat their heads” to their people and make their requests.

What should I do to go to an Umbanda terreiro?

To go to a terreiro, you must first find out about the open sessions, as there are tours that can only be for mediums. It is recommended to wear light clothes, with easy to take off shoes, and to have a diet at least for the day – no alcohol, no sex and preferably no red meat.

The terreiro is a space for prayer and charity and, unlike what many people imagine, it is safe, organized and harmonious like any other religious temple.

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