Social representations of voduns: expressions of the sacred in Jeje Mahi Candomblé tradition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21727/rpu.v16i3.5603Abstract
The study aimed to identify the structure of social representations of voduns among adherents of Jeje Mahi candomblé. Method: This was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, anchored in the structural approach of Social Representation Theory, with emphasis on the Central Core Theory. The research was conducted in two Jeje Mahi candomblé temples located in Rio de Janeiro, with the participation of 99 adherents. A structured questionnaire was used for subject characterization. The semantic contents of the representations were obtained by applying the free word evocation technique with the inducing term "vodum". Evocation data were processed using prototypical analysis and graphically presented through the four-quadrant table and the maximal similarity tree. Results and Discussion: Prototypical analysis indicated that the terms possibly belonging to the central core are: love, peace, and faith. These terms were evoked with higher frequency and more immediately. In the maximal similarity tree analysis, it was observed that the connection between the terms "love" and "faith" directs the representation of vodum. The term "love" plays a central role in this context.Conclusion: The study revealed that the representational structure of vodum for the subjects involves affective and transcendental dimensions, permeated by feelings that lead to a tender and mystical relationship with vodum, providing a state of well-being.
Keywords: Social Representations; Spirituality; Vodun; Religiosity; Jeje Mahi Candomblé.
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Copyright (c) 2025 França Helena Elias Pereira, Antonio Marcos Tosoli Gomes, Carla Cristina Gonçalves
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