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Both. The art clearly has African roots, but it grew and flourished in Brazil. Capoeira evolved from a combination of various African traditions and rituals; however, the Brazilian influence on capoeira cannot be denied. |
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The origin of the word "capoeira" is as shrouded in mystery as the origin of the art itself. Overall, there are three possible definitions and etymologies of the word capoeira - one Tupi-Guarani, one Portuguese, and one African. Each etymology contains a corresponding theory about the association of the word "capoeira" with the dance-fight-game. |
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There are many philosophies that guide the movements, music, and rituals of capoeira. Some of the art's underlying principles are understanding the complexities of human interaction, the importance of being ready for anything, the value of cleverness, and the strength of indirect resistance. These fundamentals are useful not only in capoeira, but also in day-to-day life. |
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Capoeiristas are not required to practice a certain religion or any religion at all. Capoeira is very loosely connected to candomblé (an African religion) and Catholicism: references to both orixás (the deities of candomblé) and Catholic saints appear in capoeira songs. Why candomblé and Catholicism? Well, the African creators of the art brought their religion with them to Brazil. They were forced by the European slave masters to adopt Catholic practices; however, they used Catholicism as a façade behind which to practice their own religion. For example, each orixá of candomblé was associated with a Catholic saint, so that a slave could say a prayer to the Virgin Mary but in reality be praying to Iemanjá. |
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The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi. In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like "energy." If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting. |
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