Brazilian priest leads rituals for Brazil ahead of World Cup clash with Norway
An Afro-Brazilian priest led spiritual rituals on Saturday in support of Brazil's national football team ahead of its FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Norway.
The ceremony took place in Portão do Rosa, in São Gonçalo on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, where Peter de Ogum performed traditional rituals, including lighting candles, making offerings and chanting prayers for protection and good fortune.
De Ogum is part of a community of pais and mães de santo - priests and priestesses of Afro-Brazilian religions - who regularly hold ceremonies to support Brazil during major football tournaments.
"We are Brazilians, so first of all, we have to support ourselves and pull things a little in our favour. And there is also the player who was born here in my neighbourhood, Vinicius Junior, who lived in the same neighbourhood as me, here in Portão do Rosa, in São Gonçalo. This is very important to us," he said.
The priest said his support for Vinicius Junior also reflects pride in the forward's stand against racism in football. "The greatest pride is honouring our Black people," he said.
Brazil take on Norway on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in the Round of 16. It will be only the second World Cup meeting between the two sides. Their only previous encounter came at the 1998 World Cup in France, when Norway defeated Brazil.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
