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Founding of Candomblé
Candomblé is an African-Brazilian religion. It was founded around the 1820s - 30s by the slaves taken from Africa to Brazil during the slave trade. It is a mixture of many beliefs from different African religions along with some Catholic aspects. -
Growth & Repression
Candomblé continued to grow in followers and rituals. Many practices were implemented such as dance rituals, feasts, ceremonies, and religious gatherings. It was much easier for the followers to practice Candomblé in segregated and mainly black areas because they were able to practice their religion in secrecy and have secret gatherings. There was also heavy police and government repression. Police would shutdown African religious ceremonies and rituals. -
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Continued Repression
Police repression continued and Candomblé was condemned by the Catholic Church. Candomblé followers received a lot of violence and mistreatment. Candomblé was often called a practice for witches and magic and the people viewed them as a threat. -
Religious Freedom ... Not Entirely
Brazil's first republican constitution was produced in 1891 which advocated or expressed religious freedom. However, this law didn't protect Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé. The law prohibited the practice of herbal medicine, magic, talismans, and spiritism which impacted Candomblé. -
Publicity and Protection
After many revolts and protests Candomblé finally gained acknowledgment especially after slavery was entirely abolished. This allowed Brazilians to finally acknowledged that they are a mixed and multiracial society. Candomblé and other Afro-Brazilian religions gained protection and religious freedom. -
Increased Growth
Candomblé continued to grow along with its places of worship known as "terreiros." Candomblé increased in popularity in Brazil since then, with as many as two million followers. It is widely practiced in Salvador da Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil. -
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Evolution
Candomblé continued to grow and spread throughout the world. Many people from Africa come to Bahia, Brazil to learn more about the faith of their ancestors. For the Candomblé followers, the religion is not only a belief but it's also a history and a culture reminding them of their origins and identities. Candomblé is slowly progressing and evolving by removing Catholic imagery and aspects from worship services with the purpose of returning to the faith's deeper fundamental origins.