Quimbanda

Quimbanda is an Afro-American religion practiced 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, Sereias among others, Quimbanda focuses more on entities such as Exu and Pomba gira. 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 predominantly white.

Quimbanda, like Umbanda and Candomblé has become recognized as a legitimate religion. However, in recent years, many Pentecostal and Evangelical Christian churches and congregations 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.

The Brazilian black metal group Ocultan identify themselves as practitioners of Quimbanda.

ee also

* Shaman
* Sangoma
* Bomoh
* Umbanda
* Candomble
* Nganga
* Spiritualism

External links

* [http://www.exu.moonfruit.com Mario dos Ventos] , Quimbanda page of an English speaking Quimbandeiro