Difference between revisions of "Candomblé"

By the early 21st century, tourist literature increasingly portrayed Candomblé as an intrinsic part of Brazilian culture; Varig Airlines used the tagline "Fly with Axé." Conversely, the 2000s saw growing Evangelical Protestant opposition, including physical attacks on practitioners and ''terreiros'', to which Candomblecistas responded with protest marches.

By the early 21st century, tourist literature increasingly portrayed Candomblé as an intrinsic part of Brazilian culture; Varig Airlines used the tagline "Fly with Axé." Conversely, the 2000s saw growing Evangelical Protestant opposition, including physical attacks on practitioners and ''terreiros'', to which Candomblecistas responded with protest marches.

[[File:Oxira 2.jpg|400px|thumb|Candomblé practitioner possessed by the orixá Ossain]]

[[File:Oxira 2.jpg|400px|thumb|Candomblé practitioner possessed by the orixá Ossain]]

Candomblé revolves around spirits termed ''orixás'' (orishas) or ''santos'' ("[[saint]]s"). In the Angola tradition they are sometimes termed ''inkice'', and in the Jeje tradition vodun. The males are termed ''aborôs'', the females ''iabás''. Believed to mediate between humanity and Olorun, the ''orixás'' have been varyingly conceived as ancestral figures, or embodiments of forces of nature. Their names may differ according to nation; in Nagô they commonly possess Yoruba names, but in the Jeje nation they are instead given Fon names.

Candomblé revolves around spirits termed ''orixás'' (orishas) or ''santos'' ("[[saint]]s"). In the Angola tradition they are sometimes termed ''inkice'', and in the Jeje tradition vodun. The males are termed ''aborôs'', the females ''iabás''. Believed to mediate between humanity and Olorun, the ''orixás'' have been varyingly conceived as ancestral figures, or embodiments of forces of nature. Their names may differ according to nation; in Nagô they commonly possess Yoruba names, but in the Jeje nation they are instead given Fon names.

Each ''orixá'' equates with a Roman Catholic [[saint]]. In Candomblé altars, the ''orixás'' are often represented with images and statues of Roman Catholic saints.

Each ''orixá'' equates with a Roman Catholic [[saint]]. In Candomblé altars, the ''orixás'' are often represented with images and statues of Roman Catholic saints.

In Candomblé, relationships are thought rooted in reciprocal obligations, and Candomblecistas see the relationship between the ''orixás'' and humanity as being one of interdependence. Practitioners seek to build harmonious relationships with the ''orixás'', thus securing their protection.

In Candomblé, relationships are thought rooted in reciprocal obligations, and Candomblecistas see the relationship between the ''orixás'' and humanity as being one of interdependence. Practitioners seek to build harmonious relationships with the ''orixás'', thus securing their protection.