Umbanda: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:17, 22 May 2026
| Umbanda | |
|---|---|
| Family | African diasporic / Afro-Brazilian |
| Origin region | Brazil |
| Founding period | 20th century CE with older African, Indigenous, Spiritist, and Catholic influences |
| Estimated adherents | Estimates vary; practiced mainly in Brazil and diasporic communities. |
Umbanda is an Afro-Brazilian religion combining African, Indigenous, Catholic, and Spiritist elements, known for mediumship, healing, devotion to orixás, and work with spirit guides.
Overview
Umbanda emerged in Brazil in the early 20th century, though it draws from older religious currents. It commonly includes reverence for orixás, spirit incorporation, healing, moral development, charity, music, ritual objects, and guidance from spirits such as pretos velhos, caboclos, and other entities. Umbanda houses vary greatly in theology, ritual style, and relationship to Candomblé, Kardecist Spiritism, and Catholic symbols.
Key beliefs
- A supreme divine source and spiritual hierarchy in many houses
- Orixás and spirit guides as sources of protection, healing, and instruction
- Mediumship and communication with spirits
- Charity, moral growth, and service to others
- Religious blending of African, Indigenous, Catholic, and Spiritist elements
Practices
- Mediumistic sessions and spirit incorporation
- Singing, drumming, candles, offerings, and ritual points
- Healing, cleansing, passes, and spiritual counsel
- Devotion to orixás and guide spirits
- Temple community service and initiation in some houses
Places of worship
- Tendas, terreiros, temples, homes, and ritual yards
Sacred texts
- Umbanda is not centered on one scripture; teachings are transmitted through oral instruction, ritual practice, songs, guides, and modern books
Holidays and observances
- Observances vary by house and may include orixá festivals, saints’ days, community anniversaries, and Brazilian religious calendars