Hino Dos Pretos Velhos

The song 'Hino Dos Pretos Velhos' by Vale do Amanhecer is a heartfelt tribute to the spiritual guides known as 'Pretos Velhos' in Brazilian Umbanda and other Afro-Brazilian religious traditions. These figures are often depicted as wise, elderly African spirits who offer guidance, healing, and protection. The lyrics evoke a sense of reverence and gratitude for these spiritual entities, portraying them as divine treasures bestowed upon the community by God.

The opening lines, 'Delícias do Céu nos traz / Como um docel de prata,' paint a vivid picture of heavenly delights and a silver canopy, symbolizing the divine and ethereal nature of the Pretos Velhos. The song continues to praise these figures, referring to them as 'meigas figuras de cor' (gentle figures of color) and acknowledging their spiritual richness and wisdom. The repeated invocation of 'Louvado seja Nosso Senhor' (Praised be Our Lord) underscores the deep spiritual connection and gratitude felt towards these ancestral guides.

The lyrics also highlight the role of the Pretos Velhos in the UESB (Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia), suggesting that their presence is a cherished and divine gift to the institution. The song calls for collective praise and worship, urging the community to sing in honor of these 'Mãezinhas queridas' (dear little mothers) and 'Paizinhos de luz' (little fathers of light). The closing lines reaffirm the eternal praise for Jesus, linking the spiritual guidance of the Pretos Velhos to the broader Christian faith, thus blending Afro-Brazilian and Christian elements in a harmonious spiritual expression.