A woman follower of the Candomble religion is feared dead after strong sea waves washed her out into the sea during a religious ceremony
She was part of a group of ten, four of whom were washed into the sea but three of those were able to swim back
Followers of the religion hold ceremonies near the sea in honor of an Afro-Brazilian deity
A 34-year-old woman follower of the Candomble religion is feared dead after strong waves washed her out into the sea during a religious ceremony held along the Costa Nova in Portugal.
The unidentified woman was among a group of ten people who were performing the ceremony in honor of the Afro-Brazilian deity of the sea called lemanja. The ceremony is held every February 2.
Reports indicate that four people were swept out to sea but three managed to swim safely back to the shore. However, the unfortunate woman is still missing.
Devotees of the Candomble religion dress in white and throw flowers into the sea in honor of lemanja
Candomble followers believe that by dressing white and throwing flowers into the sea, they will gain good luck in their lives.
Estimates indicate that there are approximately 1,000 Candomble devotees in Portugal. Reports also indicate that their ceremonies are usually safe; however, in this particular instance, the group ignored bad weather warnings.
Check out the video below to learn more about the Candomble religion.
