• religion,  spirituality

    Candomblé – a very short overview

    One of the African-derived religions in Brazil together with Umbanda, Xango, Batuque, Cantimbo, and Macumba, is Candomblé. It is most interesting for being a sort of a collection of various African religious traditions, especially those of Yoruba, Fon, and Banto ethnic groups. In addition, it draws on Catholic faith, having integrated its teachings into its own interpretation, for example, the deities of the pantheon (orixás) are associated with Catholic saints. This is a bright example of syncretism – a blending of religions that occurred due to the need of slaves to hide their beliefs under the cover of Catholicism. Brazil, colonized by the Portuguese, was one of the largest importers…