Preto Velho

Preto Velho, meaning old black man, and its counterpart Preta Velha are spirits venerated in the Afro-Brazilian religion of Umbanda, generally regarded as the spirits of deceased African slaves and addressed respectfully as vovo or vovo, grandfather or grandmother. They are portrayed as kind, patient and wise elders who, despite the suffering of their earthly lives, are believed to preach forgiveness and love, and Umbandistas bring their problems to these spirits for healing and counsel. When a medium is possessed by a Preto Velho the spirit commonly smokes a pipe, and such spirits typically carry names pairing a Catholic given name with an African national or ethnic affiliation, such as Maria Congo; they are honored each year on May 13, Brazil's Abolition Day.