Image by murdelta via Flickr
The largest and most populated country of South America, with a population of over 193,000 million people, Brazil is also an extraordinarily culturally rich country, where various cultures meet and combine, making for unique and fascinating customs and lifestyles that travelers will revel in exploring as they travel across the country. It is also one of the most religious countries in the world, with about 90% of Brazilians adhering to some kind of religious affiliation.
With over 70% of the population declaring themselves as Catholics, Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world. Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century among native Brazilians by Jesuit missionaries and Portuguese settlers. Freedom of religion was seriously restrained during the colonial period, when settlers and native alike were bound to Catholicism and forced to pay taxes to the Church. Freedom of religious belief and practice was introduced in the 19th century after the independence, but Catholicism remained the official religion. Catholicism in Brazil has evolved into various branches, resulting from different African and indigenous influences.
Also, and maybe more surprisingly, Brazil is the first Yoruba country in the world. This religion of African descent, generally designated as candomble in Brazil and African countries alike, prevails in most of the country, which is particularly religious. Afro-Brazilian religions are syncretic religions resulting from the combination of several traditions. These are generally concentrated in large urban sectors in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in Sao Paulo, Florianopolis and Porto Alegre. In addition to candomble, Umbanda is also widely practiced, and is a blend of Spiritism, indigenous and African beliefs.
There are other smaller communities affiliated to various religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Shinto, and Rastafarian, comprising 20th century immigrants from East Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. One more recent and somewhat disturbing phenomenon is that of the rapid growth of sects and cults in Brazil over the past years.
With over 70% of the population declaring themselves as Catholics, Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world. Catholicism was introduced in the 16th century among native Brazilians by Jesuit missionaries and Portuguese settlers. Freedom of religion was seriously restrained during the colonial period, when settlers and native alike were bound to Catholicism and forced to pay taxes to the Church. Freedom of religious belief and practice was introduced in the 19th century after the independence, but Catholicism remained the official religion. Catholicism in Brazil has evolved into various branches, resulting from different African and indigenous influences.
Also, and maybe more surprisingly, Brazil is the first Yoruba country in the world. This religion of African descent, generally designated as candomble in Brazil and African countries alike, prevails in most of the country, which is particularly religious. Afro-Brazilian religions are syncretic religions resulting from the combination of several traditions. These are generally concentrated in large urban sectors in the northeastern part of the country, particularly in Sao Paulo, Florianopolis and Porto Alegre. In addition to candomble, Umbanda is also widely practiced, and is a blend of Spiritism, indigenous and African beliefs.
 Image by Jay Tamboli via Flickr |
Candomble celebration |
There are other smaller communities affiliated to various religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Shinto, and Rastafarian, comprising 20th century immigrants from East Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. One more recent and somewhat disturbing phenomenon is that of the rapid growth of sects and cults in Brazil over the past years.
This introduction to religions in Brazil was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hortense_Soulier
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