Quimbanda
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Quimbanda is an Afro-American traditional religion found in Brazil, mostly in urban areas where black presence is culturally strong (Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Maranhão, Pernambuco). It is normally considered the counterpart to Umbanda (hence the names "Left Hand" and "Right Hand" given to them, respectively).
Instead of worshipping the Orishas, like Umbanda, Quimbanda worships an entity named Exu (pronunciation: eshoo) which is not, however, identical to the Christian devil (Exu also plays a role in Umbanda, though he is not worshipped by Umbandists).
Most of the ritual of Quimbanda is based on bloody sacrifice (usually black hens, goats or frogs), smoking of cigars, drinking of spirits (usually Cachaça or cheap Cognac). As in Umbandan, chants and dancing are common, but less openly, due to the "wrong" character of the religion in the views of its own followers.
Rituals are mostly concerned with Divination or preparation of Amulets, Potions or other devices intended to bring supernatural aid to obtaining selfish desires (having back a gone lover, earning easy money, causing someone else illness, death or poverty, etc.).
Although the practice of Afro-American religions is no longer seen as crime, the number of followers of Quimbanda (as well as those of Umbanda) is dwindling quite fast, mostly due to the impact of Pentecostal proselytism or a tendency to scepticism. However, it is still possible to find advertisement of Quimbandist "pais-de-santo" (literally, "saint fathers") or "mães-de-santo" ("saint mothers") in newspapers or pamphlets, still claiming to bring back the gone love in three days, or plenty in a week or even the "destruction of the enemy" within a month.
