Quimbanda
Quimbanda () is an Afro-American traditional
religion found in
Brazil. It is often also called
Macumba and found mostly in urban areas such as
Rio de Janeiro,
Minas Gerais,
Maranhão and
Pernambuco. It is generally viewed as a subset of Umbanda, but may be more accurately described as representing the survival of African ethical traditions within the religion, which in other sectors has espoused a heavily Christian moralism not consistent with African views of spiritual agency. In recent years, despite gaining a greater following among some middle class whites, it has begun to assert itself as a separate tradition from
Umbanda.
Instead of the wider focus of
Umbanda which recognizes entities such as
Caboclos,
Baianas,
Seieras among others, Quimbanda focuses more on entities such as
Exus and
Pomba Giras. But traditionally Quimbanda also relies heavily upon the
Pretos Velhos and the
Malandros who do not always fit easy in any one of the preceding groups.
Rituals are concerned with
Necromancy,
Divination or preparation of
Amulets,
Potions or other devices intended to bring supernatural aid, to obtaining resources or to deal with other areas of life. Additionally, the spirit-entities of this cult provide advice to their followers to aid in resolving life's problems. In most respects a gira of Quimbanda will appear pretty much the same as one of Umbanda, with only a likely shift in the color preferences, which, as with most Bantu religious practice in Brazil and Africa emphasizes red, black and (sometimes) white, rather than having prdeominantly white.
Quimbanda, like
Umbanda and
Candomblé has become recognized as a legitimate religion. However, in recent years, Evangelical Christian sects have shown increasing intolerance toward African derived religious traditions in Brazil, engaging in harassment and violence. Followers of these traditions are beginning to seek recourse from the law which protects freedom of religion in Brazil.
The name "Quimbanda" derives from the
Kimbundu language of
Angola and means Healer or diviner.
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Shaman*
Sangoma*
BomohExternal links
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Nzo Quimbanda Exu Ventania, Quimbanda House in Europe
