SPIRITUAL FORCES IN THE SHADOWS: UMBANDA'S ROLE DURING GETÚLIO VARGAS'S DICTATORSHIP

Abstract

During Getúlio Vargas's dictatorial regime in Brazil from 1937 to 1945, a complex interplay of political forces and religious dynamics emerged. This period witnessed a significant shift in the country's political landscape, culminating in a wave of centralization that fundamentally transformed the power structure. In this context, a document from the Political and Social Inquiry Service of the New State (SIPS) in 1938 conducted a comprehensive survey of the religious landscape in Brazil to assess potential sources of opposition to Vargas's regime. Surprisingly, within this survey, tensions and potential sources of dissent were identified within the Catholic Church itself, which had traditionally been a pillar of support for the regime. Simultaneously, the document highlighted Spiritism as a potential ally for the state due to its limited presence within the labor movement and its emphasis on charitable activities, which distanced it from overt political engagement.

This article explores the intricate relationship between Getúlio Vargas's dictatorship and two prominent Mediumistic Religions in Brazil, namely Umbanda and Spiritism, during a time when these religious expressions represented a counterpoint to the prevailing repression of the New State. The word "Spiritism" during this period carried a profound polysemy in Brazilian culture, encompassing a wide range of spiritual practices, from Allan Kardec's codified teachings to diverse worship traditions like Umbanda and Candomblé. While representatives of Brazilian Spiritism, notably the Brazilian Spiritist Federation founded in 1884, sought to establish a scientific and rationalist identity, distinguishing themselves from what they considered "magical" practices, the broader cultural milieu embraced a more inclusive interpretation of Spiritism.

This article delves into the coexistence of Vargas's dictatorship with these Mediumistic Religions, shedding light on the lesser-known dimension of the New State's engagement with religious pluralism. By analyzing the intricate interactions between political power and religious diversity, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these Mediumistic Religions navigated the complex socio-political landscape of 1930s and 1940s Brazil. Through this exploration, we gain insights into the tensions, alliances, and dynamics that shaped Brazil's religious and political spheres during this transformative period