Macumba
From Free net encyclopedia
Macumba is a word of African (Bantu) origins. Various explanations of its meaning include "a musical instrument", the name of a Central African deity, and simply "magic". It was the name used for all Bantu religious practices mainly in Rio de Janeiro Afro-Brazilian in the 19th Century. Later (20th century) these practices re-aligned themselves into what are now called Umbanda, Quimbanda and Omoloko. "Macumba" became common in many parts of Brazil used by the non-practicing population as a pejorative word meaning "black witchcraft".
The word "macumba" is frequently used in Brazil to refer to any ritual or religion of African origin (as slang), although it's generally seen as a pejorative and offensive. Interestingly, it's use among actual practitioners is not viewed as a negative, but its use by non-practitioners remains largely pejorative in intent.