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LANGUAGE: |
PORTUGUESE
ITALIAN
FRENCH
SPANISH
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HOW TO GET TO THE "TERREIRO": |
A.DI.CA.
Via Gabiaccio s.n.
13031 ARBORIO (VC)
Tel. 0360. 460420
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E-MAIL |
adicamauro@libero.it
webmaster
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WHAT'S CANDOMBLÉ? |
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Candomblé is the religion developed in Brazil from the syncretism of West African's culture and traditions, which were deported in the New World during slavery time, and the Catholic culture.
Among the different aspects of these cultures, the most important is the cult of the Orixás (called also Santos, "Saints"), gods comparable to elements of nature as water, wind, vegetation, fire, that participate in every single moment of men's life.
The Africans, with great efforts, succeeded in preserving up to now their own traditions in Brazil, fighting against persecutions and prejudice. Nowadays this culture doesn't belong only to the black population, but it counts worshipers from any kind of social rank and origin, from all over the world.
The communities of Candomblé, organized like a family around the figure of a leader: Mãe or Pai de Santo, "mother or father of saint", want to maintain and increase the axé; the invisible and spiritual force present in every single aspect of our lives, that makes existence possible.
The philosophy of life in Candomblé, all the laws, rituals, ancient tradition handed on orally from generation to generation, intends therefore to enhance and transmit this energy, to maintain harmony and communication between man and god.
The relationship between man and god is of reciprocity: man increases the axé of his Orixá by ritual actions (songs, dancing, ritual food...); this means that he participates actively in the improvement of his energy, which is represented by the quality of everyday life.
In general, having axé means being in harmony with the world, being conscious and respectful of what one is, so that the person can enjoy life fully.
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