Preto Velho: Discover the Stories and Characteristics of This Guide!

Known for his intelligence of life, the old black is an Entity that is part of the Umbanda Guides.

The term Preto Velho, in fact, designates the line of work that is composed of several Spirits of Light.

All these entities called Preto Velho correspond to the people who lived during the time of slavery as slaves or even to African ancestors. Therefore, the image of these Beings of Light is represented by black and old people.

Want to know more about these Entities and their roles in the Spiritual Works? So keep reading until the end to find out all about these Beings of Light.

Find out more about Preto Velho

Who is Old Black?

They are Spiritual Entities of great knowledge and enlightenment. who carry out work in Umbanda aimed at counseling and guidance for those who turn to them. The suffering experienced in past lives, as well as all life experiences, provided the Pretos Velhos with great knowledge about the world, as well as their positive energy to deal with challenges and overcome obstacles.

Who was Old Black?

The history of Preto Velho begins with slavery. Brought from Africa to Brazil, blacks were enslaved and had a life of great suffering. In Umbanda’s belief, these people suffered so much that after disincarnating they became Evolved Spirits, with great Enlightenment.

Most of the Entities that act as Preto Velho were slaves in life and died in the trunk. The African ancestors who did not have this bad luck died of old age. Anyway, everyone went through some kind of suffering, being in the case of slaves the difficulties of the slave quarters. Even with such a painful life, these Entities love to tell stories about what it was like in captivity, in the slave quarters and the things they lived through.

Old and frail in appearance, these Beings should not be judged, as they have an inner energy capable of moving them to unimaginable points. It is this positive energy that makes the spirits of the Preto Velho line so sought after to open paths, ask for guidance and receive all the wisdom necessary to deal with certain situations.

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What is the role of Preto Velho in Umbanda??

To understand the role of Old Blacks in Umbandait is necessary to understand that these Beings of Light are called by many different names, some of them being: Preto, Preto Velho, Preto Veio, Preta Velha and Pretos Velhos.

Regardless of the name, the term is related to the line of work performed by these Spirits of Light.

At Umbanda, this line of spirits is responsible for taking care of the evolution of beingscontributing with teachings, guidelines, direction, among other ways to help in the evolution of earthly beings.

It is also common to associate these Spirits with the regency of Obaluaiê, as they are skilled with the use of herbs, make the best recipes for baths and still work the Divine magic when performing the pass. The Old Blacks and Pretas are seen by Umbanda as beings tied to naturewhich, in addition to knowledge, offer positive energy to open the way and find happiness through understanding.

What is the function of Preto Velho?

The main function of these Spirits is to contribute to the evolution of earthly beings, offering wisdom, advice, guidance and opening paths to happiness. All the teachings acquired by them while incarnated are used to teach and guide those in need. Therefore, the answer to what the function of Preto Velho is is that it contributes to earthly evolution.

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Characteristics and cult of this Spirit of Light

These Beings are represented by elderly people, with dark skin and body aches. Thus, when incorporated, they almost always have an arched back, slow gait, shaky speech, and plain old language. These are the characteristics presented by the Pretos Velhos through a Gira.

Humble people is the highest definition for these Beings. All this humility of spirit is observed in the way of speaking, guiding, understanding and helping those who need to find paths to happiness.

Even spirits who have not experienced slavery, they carry with them the calm, patience and determination that there will be a tomorrow. Especially those who lived as slaves, this patience made them stronger and more determined.

Another very characteristic aspect of these Entities is the pipe. Preto Velho is always portrayed as elderly black people sitting on stools while smoking pipes.

Worship and rituals

The day of Preto Velho is celebrated on May 13, precisely on the day slavery was abolished in Brazil. On the other hand, the day of the week dedicated to these spirits is Monday.

The celebrations of these Entities are carried out to the sound of the dots, which are chants, with white decoration. The clothes and other items used in these events are in shades of white, as it is the color that best represents these Beings of Light.

In the case of offerings, the Pretos Velhos like unsweetened coffee, sweet rice, brandy, cornmeal cake, unsalted popcorn and hominy. The celebrations also include

See below an example of a prayer to Preto Velho.

Most common names of this Entity

There are many spirits who act as Guides following the line of Pretos Velhos. Therefore, it is common for the names to vary among the various terreiros that exist. Among the most common names already reported are:

• Father Joaquim de Aruanda: ruled by the energy of Oxalá..
• Antonio da Mata: ruled by the energy of Ochosi.
• Father Joaquim das Almas: ruled by the energy of Obaluaê.
• Joaquim do Congo: ruled by the energy of Iansã.
• Father Francisco D’Angola: ruled by the energy of Ogun.

The surname used by the Spirits when referring to their own name specifies which line they belong to in relation to the power of the Orixás. For example, names ending in Aruanda follow the regency of the Oxalá line, as well as the surname D’Angola, follows the regency of the Ogun line, and so on.

Did you like to know the history of Preto Velho? See also the history of other Entities here on . You can also schedule your Spiritual Consultation and ask these Beings of Light for guidance.