Saudação Às Sete Linhas

Pierre Braga's 'Saudação Às Sete Linhas' is a profound homage to the Afro-Brazilian religion of Umbanda. The song's lyrics are rich with cultural and spiritual references, celebrating the various entities and deities that play a crucial role in this faith. The opening lines mention 'caboclos' and 'pretos velhos,' who are spirits of indigenous people and elderly African slaves, respectively. These spirits bring sacred plants like Jurema, arruda, and guiné, which are used in rituals for healing and protection. This highlights the syncretic nature of Umbanda, blending elements from African, Indigenous, and Catholic traditions.

The song emphasizes the importance of faith and the divine permission from 'Aruanda,' a spiritual realm, to perform acts of salvation and healing. The repeated line, 'Eles vem trabalhar na lei de Umbanda, tem licença de Aruanda pra salvar a quem tem fé,' underscores the belief that these spiritual entities are sanctioned to help those who have faith. This reflects the core tenet of Umbanda, which is the belief in the power of faith and the spiritual world to bring about positive change and healing.

Further, the song invokes powerful deities like Xangô and Ogum. Xangô, associated with justice and thunder, is depicted as a savior of his followers, while Ogum, the warrior god, is shown wielding his sword and heralding the arrival of spiritual forces. The imagery of the 'sabiá' (a bird) singing joyfully and the 'toque de alvorada' (dawn call) adds a layer of natural beauty and hope, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between the spiritual and natural worlds. Through its evocative lyrics, 'Saudação Às Sete Linhas' serves as a vibrant celebration of Umbanda's rich spiritual tapestry and its enduring message of faith and salvation.