... African slaves had to find a way to combine this religion and their native cultures. On Sundays and Christian holidays the slaves danced in the streets and squares with the permission of their owners (Schneiner 40). However, there are many other ways these religions influenced dance. When Roman Catholic missionaries were sent to convert Brazil, they spread their influences throughout the country. The missionaries put on religious plays, which dealt with spiritual meanings from Africa, but were also impacted by the faith of the Portuguese. The Roman Catholics also had processions, festivals and folkloric appearances, which are accompanied by songs, dances, and chants (Marks 525). A second religious influence was the Kongo-Angolans, who were from Portuguese West Africa. The Kongo-Angolans formed religious brotherhoods called Irmandades. They worshipped black Catholic saints and the Virgin. Their ceremonies were composed of music and choreographed dances. The Kongo-Angolans held an annual coronation of a ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now