Indians and Africans in Brazilian religiosity -Umbanda-

Abstract

This is a study of a syncretic religion born in Brazil that combines elements of indigenous origin with the cultural and religious contribution of enslaved Africans and Catholicism, among other doctrines. For the development of this research were used field observations, interviews and qualitative analysis of literature sources. The aim is to present the historical and social circumstances that preceded and contributed to the rise of religion called Umbanda, what their distinctive and essential elements and role as a religion has had and has in Brazilian society. We can see that this is a current and living religion, some would reply form in relation to most of the great religions for their remote operation of economic interests and power, more identified with the indigenous peoples and Catholicism understood as help the next. In conclusion, we can say that Brazilian society reveals its multiculturalism also in the religious field, that people of African descent in Brazil retain much of their cultural heritage and values, and that if on one hand it reinforces discrimination and violence of certain social groups and extremist religious denominations, the other is the area where fraternization between people of different ethnic backgrounds and from different social classes are often given.