Caboclo Spirits

Caboclo spirits are entities revered in the Brazilian spiritual tradition of Umband, a syncretic religion that blends African, Indigenous, and European spiritual practices. The term Caboclo (pronounced kɐˈboklu) is derived from the Portuguese word for a person of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, and in the context of Umbanda, it refers to spirits of Indigenous Brazilian origin. These spirits are believed to embody the wisdom and connection to nature, acting as guides and healers within the religion. In Hebrew, the term can be translated as רוחות קבוקלו (ruhot kaboklo). In Portuguese, the term is simply caboclos, and in French, it is sometimes referred to as esprits caboclos. Caboclo spirits are often invoked during rituals and ceremonies, where they provide spiritual guidance, healing, and protection. They are typically associated with the forests, animals, and natural elements, reflecting the deep connection to the environment that is central to Indigenous Brazilian spirituality.