What is Umbanda?

Answer

Umbanda is a belief system that traces back to African practices and the slave trade. Often referred to as an “Afro-Brazilian religion,” it combines traditional African practices with indigenous Brazilian beliefs, spiritism, and Roman Catholicism. Umbanda shares similarities with other syncretic religions such as Santeria and Candomble.

Umbanda likely originated in late 19th-century Brazil, gained momentum in the 20th century, and expanded beyond Brazil to other parts of South America like Argentina and Uruguay. It is currently a flourishing religion in Brazil. Umbanda’s growth occurred during the dictatorial regime of Getulio Vargas, and many followers of the syncretic religion encountered persecution from the government and other religions. It was only after the restoration of the democratic system that Umbanda thrived. Current estimates indicate over 400,000 Umbandistas in Brazil (https://theworld.org/stories/2013-03-12/brazils-only-indigenous-religion-coming-its-own, accessed 8/22/23).

Umbanda has several branches including Umbanda d’Angola, Umbanda Jeje, Umbanda Ketu, and Umbanda Esoterica. These branches have distinct characteristics, but three fundamental beliefs unite them: the pantheon, the spirit world, and reincarnation.

1. The Pantheon

At the core of Umbanda’s pantheon is Olorum or Olodumare, a deity from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Olorum is the supreme being in the Pantheon, also known as Zambi in Umbanda d’Angola. Alongside Olorum are divine intermediaries known as Orixas. The Pantheon mirrors many African religions where there is a supreme being and subordinate deities. Some Eastern religions like Hinduism are similarly polytheistic.

The Orixas constitute a intricate hierarchy consisting of legions, phalanges, sub-phalanges, guides, and protectors. The hierarchy is often categorized into the Seven Lines or Sete Linhas da Umbanda. At the pinnacle of the hierarchy is the Oxala, also referred to as Obatala in

Yoruba mythology portrays Oxala as a son of Olodumare. In Umbanda, Oxala is associated with Jesus, although there are significant distinctions between Jesus in the Bible and the Obatala of Yoruba mythology. The latter is depicted as a neglectful elder son who faltered in his creative duties and became intoxicated while creating humans, a stark contrast to the virtuous Son of God.

Umbanda links various orixas with Christian figures due to the fusion of certain Roman Catholic customs. For example, Xango (or Shango) is related to John the Baptist, and Oxumare to Bartholomew. Lemanja is connected to Our Lady of Navigators, and Omulu to Lazarus. Some Roman Catholic saints such as Saint George, Saint Sebastian, and Saint Anne have their corresponding orixa counterparts. This syncretism likely originated during the era of the slave trade when slaves aimed to conceal their religious practices.

2. The Spirit World

Apart from the orixas, Umbanda recognizes a spiritual realm inhabited by various spirits. These spirits are categorized into three groups: pure spirits, benevolent spirits, and malevolent spirits, known as klumbas. Two prominent spirits are the Preto velho and Preto velha, considered benevolent spirits. They embody the spirits of deceased slaves, with the first believed to be an oppressed slave. These benevolent spirits serve as guides, communicating through mediums during Umbanda ceremonies. Pure spirits encompass archangels, angels, and perfected spirits, among others. Conversely, believers are generally reluctant to invoke the malevolent spirits.

3. Reincarnation

Umbanda, akin to many traditional African belief systems, upholds the concept of reincarnation. Even contemporary African Christians occasionally discuss the plausibility of reincarnation, citing anecdotes that seemingly validate the notion. Hindus also adhere to a reincarnation cycle, albeit with interpretations differing from those of the Umbandistas.

Furthermore, Umbanda is renowned for its rituals conducted in a designated space called the terreiro. These rituals involve active participation from all attendees, overseen by a designated priest or priestess. Mediums play a crucial role in facilitating communication with the spirit realm during these rituals.Communicating with the spirits. Worshipers often wear white attire, symbolizing a genuine character, as they dance and use sacred symbols. Modern thinkers have diverse opinions about Umbanda, but many commend it for its charitable work and its acceptance of the LGBT community and feminist ideals.

Followers of Umbanda are akin to the Athenians who were “very religious” in their acknowledgment of the existence of an “Unknown God” (Acts 17:22-23). We can utilize this common ground as a foundation for witnessing of the Savior, doing so with “all gentleness and respect” «but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: », (1 Peter 3:15). Certainly, we must refrain from compromising Christian beliefs through syncretism, as that would distort the gospel message.