macumba

macumba, Afro-Brazilian spirit religion

noun mah-KOOM-bah Rare

Origin: Portuguese macumba, from a Bantu language of Central Africa

Usage Note

Macumba refers to an umbrella term for Afro-Brazilian syncretic religions, including Candomblé and Umbanda, brought to French awareness partly through Brazil's cultural influence. In casual French usage it can carry a dismissive or superstitious connotation, referring loosely to 'voodoo' or dark magic rituals, which is a cultural oversimplification.

Examples

"Elle croyait aux rituels de macumba."

Natural Translation

She believed in macumba rituals.

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