Pretos-Velhos are figures from Umbanda linked to the houses and families. Of all Umbanda entity classes, the preto-velho is probably the one with the most public recognition.
Legend[]
Pretos-velhos are a linha de trabalho, types of spirits who manifest themselves in Umbanda terreiros. They are spirits who used to lived in the slave quarters, mostly as slaves who died of old-age-related diseases. They are considered purified deities. Being wise, tender, and patient, they give love, faith, and hope to their godchildren.
They had, due to their advanced age, the power to live long through their wisdom and, despite the harshness of their captivity, they demonstrate faith to endure the bitterness of life, consequently they are guide spirits of high wisdom. They usually smoke a pipe, perform blessings with rue branches, praying with a rosary and sprinkling fluidized water. The puffs with smoke are, according to Umbanda belief, for cleaning and harmonizing the vibrations of their mediums and consultants.
Pretos-velhos are honored on the 13th of May, the date on wich the Lei Áurea was adopted, so abolishing the slavery in Brazil.