Umbandism combines religious believes and practices from traditional African societies, native Brazilian religions and Catholicism. It also depicts heavy Spiritualism with significant resemblance to Candomble. The history of Umbanda has it that it started in Brazil under Zelio Fernandino. Over the years, it has spread to neighboring Uruguay and Argentina.
There appears to be discrepancies in the manner of worship and belief across different regions. This religion has borrowed heavily from Catholicism which has caused most followers to regard themselves as Catholics. What unifies the faithful is the belief that there exists a supreme God called Olorum or Zambi. He manifests through his multiple representations.
An example of an aspect borrowed from the Catholic Church is the belief that saints, who they refer to as orixas, provide magical or divine power and energy. Deceased relatives are part of daily worship and interact with the worshipers during rituals. They intercede on their behalf and have the power to influence daily life.
Karma and reincarnation are central tenets of Umbandism. This is exemplified in their worship when they seek the intercession of their ancestors and departed acquaintances. The belief in karma states that the good or bad human beings experience is a result of their deeds in the past.
Several explanations have been given about the origin of the belief system followed in this religion. According to sociologists, spiritualism gave birth to communicating with the dead through such powers as psychics and mediums. From Catholicism, they borrowed the concept of a Supreme Being as well as reverence of saints. Brazilian traditional religions are believed to have contributed to the belief in orixas.
Zelio is credited with founding Umbanda in the early 1900. His influence emanated from his psychic powers under Kardec Allan. This enabled him to depart with a sizable number of followers while he was still based in Rio de Janeiro. Umbandism is tainted with some of the practices by followers of Kardec. The native Brazilian influence was not authentic since it borrowed heavily from the African slaves.
It is on November 08, 1908 that Zelio, at 15 years of age, formed Umbanda. His psychic power enabled him to manifest in two spirits. This was not convincing to followers of Allan but it gave him a starting point. His religion gained momentum in the 1930s after political turmoil shook Brazil. The citizens wanted a unifying factor which they found in Umbanda. They considered it the most authentic manifestation of the Brazilian culture.
Umbanda temples are built like Catholic churches and have priests and priestesses to intervene on behalf of the living. These temples are referred to as terreiros and are used for sacrifice ceremonies. The ceremonies involve sacrifices of different foods, songs and dances. During the sacrifices, the priests and priestesses chant to summon the spirits. Visitors who manifest a spirit are asked to join the church.
Umbandism faces a lot of opposition from Catholics, Protestants and evangelicals. Catholics consider their idea of sainthood a mockery and do not support their worship of spirits. Evangelicals consider their approach to spiritualism pedestrian and demonic. Such challenges explain why their numbers seem to stagnate.
There appears to be discrepancies in the manner of worship and belief across different regions. This religion has borrowed heavily from Catholicism which has caused most followers to regard themselves as Catholics. What unifies the faithful is the belief that there exists a supreme God called Olorum or Zambi. He manifests through his multiple representations.
An example of an aspect borrowed from the Catholic Church is the belief that saints, who they refer to as orixas, provide magical or divine power and energy. Deceased relatives are part of daily worship and interact with the worshipers during rituals. They intercede on their behalf and have the power to influence daily life.
Karma and reincarnation are central tenets of Umbandism. This is exemplified in their worship when they seek the intercession of their ancestors and departed acquaintances. The belief in karma states that the good or bad human beings experience is a result of their deeds in the past.
Several explanations have been given about the origin of the belief system followed in this religion. According to sociologists, spiritualism gave birth to communicating with the dead through such powers as psychics and mediums. From Catholicism, they borrowed the concept of a Supreme Being as well as reverence of saints. Brazilian traditional religions are believed to have contributed to the belief in orixas.
Zelio is credited with founding Umbanda in the early 1900. His influence emanated from his psychic powers under Kardec Allan. This enabled him to depart with a sizable number of followers while he was still based in Rio de Janeiro. Umbandism is tainted with some of the practices by followers of Kardec. The native Brazilian influence was not authentic since it borrowed heavily from the African slaves.
It is on November 08, 1908 that Zelio, at 15 years of age, formed Umbanda. His psychic power enabled him to manifest in two spirits. This was not convincing to followers of Allan but it gave him a starting point. His religion gained momentum in the 1930s after political turmoil shook Brazil. The citizens wanted a unifying factor which they found in Umbanda. They considered it the most authentic manifestation of the Brazilian culture.
Umbanda temples are built like Catholic churches and have priests and priestesses to intervene on behalf of the living. These temples are referred to as terreiros and are used for sacrifice ceremonies. The ceremonies involve sacrifices of different foods, songs and dances. During the sacrifices, the priests and priestesses chant to summon the spirits. Visitors who manifest a spirit are asked to join the church.
Umbandism faces a lot of opposition from Catholics, Protestants and evangelicals. Catholics consider their idea of sainthood a mockery and do not support their worship of spirits. Evangelicals consider their approach to spiritualism pedestrian and demonic. Such challenges explain why their numbers seem to stagnate.
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