Plurality of Umbandist currents

What it is: Umbanda is internally plural and harbors currents, schools, and styles of terreiro quite diverse.

How the religion understands it: This plurality can include popular Umbanda, branca, esoteric, sagrada, omolocô, traçada, iniciática, and other local classifications.

Basis and context: The diversity derives from the very history of the formation of the religion and its encounters with different matrices.

Debates and variations: Many internal disputes revolve around identity, legitimacy, Africanization, relation with Kardecism, and differentiation in relation to Candomblé.

Supportive

Diana Brown, Umbanda: Religion and Politics

umbanda,diana-brown,politics,history

A classic study of the social and political formation of Umbanda.

Reference: Diana Brown, studies on Umbanda, religion, and politics in Brazil.
Content: The author examines urbanization, public legitimacy, the middle class, and processes of the religion's institutionalization.
Use in debate: It is foundational for the historical origin, plurality, and social insertion of Umbanda.

Renato Ortiz, The White Death of the Black Sorcerer

umbanda,renato-ortiz,identity,syncretism

A classic analysis of Umbanda's formation and its racial and symbolic relations.

Reference: Renato Ortiz, The White Death of the Black Sorcerer.
Content: The author discusses symbolic whitening, cultural mediation, and the modern formation of Umbanda.
Use in debate: It is central for syncretism, identity, and the relationship between Umbanda and other Afro-Brazilian matrices.

W. W. da Matta e Silva, Umbanda of Us All

umbanda,matta-e-silva,esoteric,doctrine

An influential work in esoteric and systematized currents of Umbanda.

Reference: W. W. da Matta e Silva, Umbanda of Us All.
Content: The book presents a doctrinal formulation that combines spiritual lines, esotericism, and ritual organization.
Use in debate: It is important for Umbanda's internal plurality and systematized currents.

Contrary

Penal Code of 1890, Articles 156-158

umbanda,criminalization,history,against

Provisions historically used to repress mediumistic and Afro-Brazilian practices.

Reference: Penal Code of the Republic of 1890, articles 156 to 158.
Content: Provisions on magic, spiritism, and related practices were used in contexts of religious and police persecution.
Use in debate: It is a historical source of tension and criminalization against practices close to Umbanda.