Zélio and the religious memory of Umbanda

Origin account and differences between religious memory and the history of Umbandas.

An origin account

Traditional narrativeAn origin narrative places the manifestation of Caboclo das Sete Encruzilhadas through Zélio Fernandino de Moraes on November 15, 1908, followed by the opening of a religious space the next day, in São Gonçalo. Welcoming caboclos and pretos-velhos in the practice of charity is the central meaning of this account.

Belief / interpretationThis is a religious account preserved by one tradition. We do not present it as proof of every detail of 1908, as the sole origin of all Umbandas or as the history of CASA PAI ROGERIO.

Memory is not the whole history

Documented historyAcademic studies describe the formation of Umbandas as a process involving multiple practices, communities and social contexts. A founding account helps explain a tradition, but does not replace historical research.

Belief / interpretationDates and testimonies must be read with their limits. The existence of later memories does not, by itself, confirm every detail of an earlier event.

Bibliographic references

BROWN, Diana DeG. Umbanda: religion and politics in urban Brazil. Ann Arbor: UMI Research Press, 1986.
MAGGIE, Yvonne. Medo do feitiço: relações entre magia e poder no Brasil. Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo Nacional, 1992.

Continue exploring

HistoryDocumented timeline and traditional narratives about the formation of Umbanda in Brazil.TimelineSourced dates that help situate Umbanda, separated from traditional narratives.Foundations and terreiroWhat a terreiro is, how giras are organized and what Umbanda spaces typically contain.Study pathsFree paths within the site to learn about the religion, history, Orixás and differences between traditions.