Gypsies in Umbanda: who they are, Gypsy People, offerings and meaning
The Gypsies in Umbanda, also called Povo Cigano or Gypsy line, are spiritual entities associated with paths, freedom, prosperity, love, joy, intuition, and divination. They manifest in the terreiros (Umbanda temples) with a colorful, musical, and expansive energy, closely linked to movement, beauty, luck, and free living.
They are not orixás or deities. In the Umbanda context, they are understood as spiritual guides who work within their own lineage, although their specific role may vary depending on the house. In some traditions, they appear linked to the Line of the East; in others, they are also associated with Quimbanda, especially when they manifest as Gypsy Exus or Gypsy Pombagiras.
To understand them correctly, it's important to avoid two mistakes: reducing them to a folkloric image of "magical gypsies" or treating them as if all terreiros practiced them in the same way. The Gypsy lineage is diverse, varies from house to house, and must be understood with respect for religious tradition and the true history of the Romani people.
Technical sheet of the Ciganos in Umbanda
| Date | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ciganos, Povo Cigano or line of the gypsies. |
| Entity type | Spiritual entities of work and guides within Umbanda and other Afro-Brazilian lineages. |
| Traditions where they appear | Umbanda, Quimbanda and some forms of Linha Cruzada, depending on the house. |
| Spiritual field | Paths, prosperity, love, freedom, luck, intuition, divination, movement and transformation of energies. |
| Associate Patron | Saint Sara Kali, also called Sara the Black, protector of the Gypsy people in many devotions. |
| Frequent symbols | Cards, Gypsy baralho, palm reading, coins, jewelry, handkerchiefs, tambourines, flowers, perfumes, wine and colorful items. |
| Associated colors | They don't have a single color. The Gypsy line is usually represented with vibrant colors: gold, red, green, blue, yellow, and various shades depending on the group. |
| Known entities | Cigana Esmeralda, Cigana Salomé, Cigana da Lua, Cigana Sulamita, Cigana Sara, Cigano Pablo, Cigano Wladimir and Cigano Giramundo, among others. |
Who are the Gypsies in Umbanda?
In Umbanda, Gypsies are spiritual entities that manifest with an energy linked to movement, freedom, joy, intuition, and paths. In many houses, they are considered spirits that work as guides, leading those who seek prosperity, love, clarity, open paths, or help in breaking free from attachments.
Their presence in the terreiro is usually festive and vibrant. They may arrive with music, dance, bright colors, perfumes, flowers, coins, cards, and a way of speaking marked by joy and confidence. This aesthetic should not be seen as mere decoration: it expresses their connection to abundance, beauty, movement, and the celebration of life.
Within the Umbanda universe, the Ciganos do not occupy the same place as the orixás. They are working entities, like other spiritual lineages, although with their own characteristics. Their power is related to autonomy, open paths, spiritual reading, prosperity, and the transformation of heavy energies into positive movement.
What is the Gypsy People?
The Gypsy People is the group of Gypsy entities that work within umbandaQuimbanda or related lines, according to the foundation of each house. The word “povo” indicates precisely that: a spiritual people, a group of guides with different names, functions, histories, and fields of action.
It is not a single entity nor a uniform line. Within the Gypsy community, there can be Gypsies with very different energies: some work more with prosperity, others with love, others with spiritual reading, others with paths, protection, luck, business, beauty, music, or personal transformation.
Therefore, when someone speaks of "the Gypsies," they are not always referring to the same entity. They may be talking about an entire spiritual lineage, a phalanx, a specific Gypsy woman, or a guide who manifests with a name within a terreiro (Catholic temple).
Origin of the Gypsy lineage in Umbanda
The Gypsy lineage did not always occupy a central place within Umbanda. In many traditional explanations, Gypsies appear linked to the Line of the East, a spiritual lineage that brings together entities associated with cultures, knowledge, and traditions seen as Eastern or foreign within the Umbanda imaginary.
This relationship can be explained by several factors. One is the historical origin of the Romani people, whose ancient migration is linked to regions of northern India before their dispersal throughout Europe. Another is the symbolic association of the Roma with magic, nature, movement, music, roads, and divination.
Over time, in many homes, the Roma people acquired a more defined place, eventually forming their own distinct lineage within the Umbanda universe. Thus, the Roma people came to be recognized as a spiritual movement with its own aesthetics, songs, symbols, offerings, and practices.
Ciganos in Umbanda and Quimbanda
One of the most common questions is whether Gypsies belong to Umbanda or Quimbanda. The most accurate answer is that they can appear in both, depending on the house, the region, and the spiritual foundation.
In Umbanda, Gypsies often present themselves as entities of light linked to prosperity, love, joy, intuition, spiritual paths, and guidance. They can work on specific rituals, consultations, gentle cleansings, harmonization, and opening paths.
In Quimbanda, however, the Gypsy people can manifest themselves through Gypsy Exus and Gypsy Pombagiras. In this context, their field may be closer to leftist practices, paths, defense, crossroads, desire, magic, protection, and spiritual movement.
This should not be seen as a contradiction. The Gypsy line is a line of border, movement, and transit. That is why it can appear in different forms of work, always according to the orientation of the terreiro and the entity that manifests.
To better understand this relationship with the Umbanda left, you can also read the guides on Exu in Umbanda y pomba tour.
Saint Sara Kali and the Gypsy People
Saint Sara Kali, also known as Sara the Black, holds a very important place in many devotions linked to the Romani people. She is considered the patron saint of the Romani people and a figure of protection, motherhood, shelter, faith, and feminine strength.
Her most well-known celebration takes place on May 24th in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, in southern France, where Roma groups and devotees gather in her honor. Within the Afro-Brazilian world, her figure may appear linked to the Romani lineage as a spiritual protector and a reference point of faith for the Romani people.
In some houses, she is understood as a force that coordinates, protects, or spiritually represents the Gypsy entities. In others, her presence may be more devotional than ritualistic. As with many aspects of Umbanda, the exact form depends on the foundation of each terreiro (temple).
Gypsies and divination
One of the best-known characteristics of the Roma people is their connection to divination. In many households, Roma spirits are associated with card reading, palmistry, intuition, omens, and the ability to guide those seeking guidance on paths, decisions, relationships, and opportunities.
The Gypsy baralho is one of the best-known tools within this symbolism. It is a card oracle used to interpret situations, warn about possible paths, point out obstacles, and help to see a decision more clearly.
Palmistry, or reading the lines of the hand, is also mentioned as part of the imagery associated with the Roma. However, not all entities work in the same way, nor do all terreiros use the same tools. In some cases, guidance comes through cards; in others, through words, intuition, spiritual vision, or direct advice.
The important thing to understand is that divination, in this context, is not simply about curiosity about the future. Its function is to guide, warn, open up possibilities, and help people make better decisions.
How do Gypsies help?
Gypsies are highly sought after for matters of prosperity, love, luck, business, independence, and opening new paths. Their energy is related to movement: unblocking what is stagnant, restoring joy, clearing emotional burdens, and helping people move forward with confidence.
They are also associated with freedom. In the spiritual worldview of the Romani people, walking on one's own two feet, not depending on anyone, letting go of ties, and seeking a more open life are very important themes.
- Open paths to prosperity, work, money, or business.
- Attract luck, movement, and opportunities.
- To help with matters of love, relationships, seduction, and emotional harmony.
- Strengthen independence, autonomy, and self-confidence.
- To guide through cards, intuition, spiritual reading or advice.
- Transform heavy energies into joy, movement, and balance.
- To help release emotional attachments or stagnant situations.
- To promote beauty, charm, self-esteem, and personal presence.
As with any serious spiritual practice, their help should not be interpreted as permission to harm another person. The work of the Gypsies is aimed at opening paths, harmonizing, guiding, and moving energies, not at manipulating or causing harm.
Known Gypsies
The Gypsy lineage is extensive, and there is no single list valid for all houses. Each terreiro (spiritual center) may recognize its own entities, and the same name can manifest with different nuances depending on the medium, the foundation, and the tradition.
Even so, there are names of Roma men and women that frequently appear in the Umbanda and Quimbandeiro traditions. Some are more related to love, others to prosperity, others to paths, music, spiritual reading, freedom, or protection.
| Gypsy entity | Frequent features |
|---|---|
| Emerald Gypsy | Prosperity, beauty, youth, joy, love, gold, abundance, and open roads. |
| Gypsy Salome | Wisdom, leadership, feminine strength, counsel, magnetism, and spiritual authority. |
| Moon Gypsy | Magic, intuition, beauty, mystery, spiritual reading and connection with emotional cycles. |
| Shulamite Gypsy | Love, charm, sweet words, affectionate paths, and emotional guidance. |
| Gypsy Sara | Protection, motherhood, faith, shelter and symbolic relationship with Saint Sara Kali. |
| Cigana das Sete Saias | Dance, movement, femininity, joy, magnetism and ritual presence. |
| Cigana do Pandeiro | Music, dance, joy, celebration, movement and festive vibes. |
| Gypsy Pablo | Paths, protection, masculine strength, prosperity, and practical guidance. |
| Gypsy Wladimir | Command, strength, paths, leadership, and spiritual protection. |
| Gypsy Giramundo | Movement, travel, changes, long roads, freedom and openness of possibilities. |
| Cigano do Violino | Music, sensitivity, charm, harmony, love and artistic expression. |
| Gypsy Leru | Associated in some traditions with Quimbanda, paths, magic, movement and left-wing work. |
These descriptions are general. They should not be taken as a hard and fast rule, because each entity may reveal its own field of work within the house where it manifests.
How the Gypsies manifest themselves on tour
The presence of Gypsies on tour is usually recognized by their joy, music, colors, and movement. They may express themselves through dances, clapping, tambourines, handkerchiefs, jewelry, coins, perfumes, and an expansive, warm, and confident way of speaking.
Their energy is often lighter and more festive than that of other traditions, but that doesn't mean it's superficial. Joy, in Gypsy work, can also be a form of cleansing. Music and dance help to move stagnant energy, lift spirits, dispel heaviness, and create an atmosphere of spiritual trust.
In some houses, Gypsy spirits may use cards, Gypsy divination, palm reading, flowers, coins, or symbolic items during a consultation. In others, they work primarily with words, advice, rituals, prayers, intuition, and spiritual guidance.
Symbols of the Ciganos in Umbanda
The symbols of the Romani people speak of movement, beauty, paths, abundance, and spiritual interpretation. Many are associated with nomadic life, music, travel, intuition, celebration, and the connection to nature.
| Symbol | Frequent meaning |
|---|---|
| Gypsy letters or baralho | Divination, guidance, possible paths, destiny and spiritual reading. |
| Palm reading | Intuition, destiny, life signs, personal paths, and advice. |
| Coins | Prosperity, circulation of wealth, luck, abundance, and material movement. |
| Jewelry and gold | Beauty, courage, prosperity, presence, personal radiance, and power of attraction. |
| Colorful scarves and skirts | Movement, joy, dance, freedom and ritual expression. |
| Tambourine | Music, celebration, vibration, rhythm and opening of the spiritual environment. |
| Flores | Beauty, harmony, sweetness, joy, love and spiritual offering. |
| Perfumes | Charm, magnetism, subtle cleansing, presence and positive attraction. |
| Dagger | Cutting obstacles, courage, defense, opening paths and overcoming. |
| Four elements | Earth, water, air, and fire as forces of nature, balance, and magic. |
Offerings to the Gypsies
Offerings to the Roma depend on the house, the deity, and the spiritual guidance received. There is no universal recipe for all Roma people. Each Roma man or woman may have their own preferences, and each terreiro (Roma temple/temple) may establish specific limits, methods, and locations.
In general, offerings associated with this tradition tend to express joy, abundance, beauty, sweetness, and celebration. They may include fruits, flowers, wine, sweets, honey, coins, perfumes, and colorful items. The important thing is not to accumulate objects, but to offer them respectfully and within the proper context.
| Element | What is usually offered to them | Frequent meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits | Fresh and colorful fruits. | Abundance, vitality, sweetness, prosperity, and joy. |
| Sweets and honey | Sweets, honey or sweet preparations depending on the house. | Harmony, charm, gentleness, prosperity and positive attraction. |
| Beverages | Wine, champagne, sparkling wines or fine drinks. | Celebration, joy, abundance, and spiritual care. |
| Flores | Colorful and fragrant flowers. | Beauty, love, joy, offering and elevation of the environment. |
| Perfumes | Soft, floral or sweet perfumes. | Magnetism, charm, subtle cleansing, and spiritual presence. |
| Coins | Coins, gold, costume jewelry or shiny items. | Prosperity, luck, circulation of money, and symbolic wealth. |
| Lunch time | Dishes recommended by the house, sometimes associated with festive food or roast meat. | Hospitality, celebration, abundance, and respect for the entity. |
| Sails | Candles of bright colors or as indicated by the entity. | Light, firmness, path, request and spiritual connection. |
Day and colors of the Gypsies
The date most associated with the Romani lineage is May 24th, the day of Saint Sara Kali. However, this does not mean that all Romani rituals must be performed only on that day. Each house may have its own rituals, celebrations, or dates dedicated to its deities.
Regarding colors, there isn't a single color for all Gypsies. The Gypsy lineage is often multicolored. Some entities are associated with green, gold, red, blue, yellow, white, pink, or vibrant combinations. For example, the Emerald Gypsy is often linked to green and gold because of their association with prosperity, beauty, and abundance.
This variety is consistent with their spiritual nature: the Romani people express movement, diversity, joy, music, beauty, and freedom. That is why their colors are usually vibrant, bright, and change depending on the individual.
How to work with Gypsies
Although their energy is festive, luminous, and joyful, working with the Roma people requires respect. It's not about improvising rituals or using a romanticized or stereotypical image of the Roma people. In Umbanda, the entities are attended to within a spiritual framework, with guidance and care.
It is also important to remember that the Romani people have suffered historical persecution, discrimination, and stigma. Therefore, speaking of the Romani people requires cultural respect. Romani spirituality may use symbols of freedom, travel, music, and divination, but this should not be caricatured or reduced to a superficial view.
- Approach with respect and without mockery.
- Do not treat the gypsy line as mere folklore or entertainment.
- Do not promise offerings or actions that will not be fulfilled.
- Do not ask for harm, manipulation, or domination over another person.
- Seek guidance from a terreiro or experienced guide.
- Do not improvise complex rituals without foundation.
- Respect the true history of the Gypsy or Romani people.
- Understanding that each gypsy, gypsy woman, and house may have different foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gypsies in Umbanda
Are Gypsies orixás?
No. Gypsies are not orixás or deities. In Umbanda, they are understood as spiritual entities or guides for work, associated with paths, prosperity, love, freedom, intuition, and divination.
What is the Gypsy People?
The Gypsy People (Povo Cigano) is the collective of Gypsy entities that work within Umbanda, Quimbanda, or related traditions. It is not a single entity, but a broad spiritual family with many names, fields of action, and forms of manifestation.
Are the Ciganos from Umbanda or Quimbanda?
They can appear in both. In Umbanda, they are usually associated with the Line of the East and with works of light, prosperity, love, and guidance. In Quimbanda, they can manifest as Gypsy Exus or Gypsy Pombagiras, with a work closer to the spiritual left.
Who is Saint Sara Kali?
Saint Sara Kali, also known as Black Sara, is the patron saint of the Roma people in many devotions. In the Afro-Brazilian world, she is associated with the protection of the Roma people, motherhood, faith, and spiritual guidance.
Why do Gypsies read fortunes?
Because divination is part of the spiritual imagery associated with this lineage. Many Romani spirits may work with cards, Romani divination, palm reading, intuition, or direct words to guide those who seek their guidance.
How do Gypsies help?
They are consulted about prosperity, love, luck, business, opening paths, independence, self-esteem, spiritual guidance, transformation of energies, and important decisions.
Final summary
In Umbanda, Gypsies are spiritual entities associated with paths, freedom, prosperity, love, intuition, joy, and divination. They are not orixás, but rather guides who can manifest within the Gypsy lineage, the Line of the East, or, in some contexts, in practices linked to Quimbanda.
The Romani people are vast and diverse. They include Romani men and women with distinct names, roles, and spiritual practices, such as Cigana Esmeralda, Cigana Salomé, Cigana da Lua, Cigano Pablo, or Cigano Giramundo. Each house may recognize its own entities and ways of working.
Their strength is expressed through music, dance, cards, flowers, coins, perfumes, joy, and movement. But behind this beauty lies spiritual seriousness: the Roma work with guidance, opening paths, prosperity, cleansing energies, and restoring inner freedom.
Understanding them requires respect for the diversity of Umbanda, caution against stereotypes, and awareness that each terreiro has its own foundations. The Gypsy lineage should not be reduced to folklore or superficial divination; it is a spiritual current of paths, color, intuition, and movement within the Afro-Brazilian universe.
To delve deeper
The Gypsy People are part of the vast universe of Umbanda entities. To better understand their place within this tradition, you can also read:
