The word Candomble simply means a dance in honor of the gods. The history of Candomble can be traced back to Yoruba, Fon and Bantu religious practices that were carried to Brazil by slaves. It is a blend of African religious practices and Christianity with heavy influence from Catholicism. This religion has about two million followers but is yet to get a holy scripture.
The slaves who originated from Africa and were transported to Brazil are credited with perpetuating this religion. It remained underground as Christian, and most especially catholic, slave masters did not allow their subjects to continue with their worship. The heavy catholic and Christian influence is attributed to the attempt by slave masters to convert them.
The practice of Candomble was still outlawed in Brazil as late as 1970s. Its popularity has only risen after the society opened up to freedom of religion. It is very popular in Salvador da Bahia, a city that is still visited by most blacks in Brazil as they seek to know their ancestral history.
The blacks understand Candomble as more than a religion. It is a way of marking their cultural identity. Over the years, attempts have been made to eliminate Christian influence and retain only the practices that are purely African. Their God is known as Oludumare with Orixas as his deities serving at his whims.
The actions of worshipers are not described as good or bad. The common belief is that there are consequences for every wrong action. Each individual is alive to fulfill a particular goal. This goal is controlled by Orixas who also protects you during your daily endeavors.
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 are highly privileged among worshipers and have earned the title Mothers of the Holy One. Their responsibility is to lead the dances and train young priestesses to safeguard the future of their religion. Their temples or places of worship are referred to as terreiros. They designate particular places for each God with clearly demarcated indoor and outdoor space. Worshipers must sprinkle clean water before entering the temple to get rid of external dirt. They also must be in clean clothes.
The slaves who originated from Africa and were transported to Brazil are credited with perpetuating this religion. It remained underground as Christian, and most especially catholic, slave masters did not allow their subjects to continue with their worship. The heavy catholic and Christian influence is attributed to the attempt by slave masters to convert them.
The practice of Candomble was still outlawed in Brazil as late as 1970s. Its popularity has only risen after the society opened up to freedom of religion. It is very popular in Salvador da Bahia, a city that is still visited by most blacks in Brazil as they seek to know their ancestral history.
The blacks understand Candomble as more than a religion. It is a way of marking their cultural identity. Over the years, attempts have been made to eliminate Christian influence and retain only the practices that are purely African. Their God is known as Oludumare with Orixas as his deities serving at his whims.
The actions of worshipers are not described as good or bad. The common belief is that there are consequences for every wrong action. Each individual is alive to fulfill a particular goal. This goal is controlled by Orixas who also protects you during your daily endeavors.
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 are highly privileged among worshipers and have earned the title Mothers of the Holy One. Their responsibility is to lead the dances and train young priestesses to safeguard the future of their religion. Their temples or places of worship are referred to as terreiros. They designate particular places for each God with clearly demarcated indoor and outdoor space. Worshipers must sprinkle clean water before entering the temple to get rid of external dirt. They also must be in clean clothes.