Sisterhood of the Good Death - Founded in the early 19th century as a Church-sponsored beneficent Sisterhood for female African slaves and former slaves, it became one of the oldest and most respected worship groups for Candomblé, the major African-based religion in Brazil.
Presently reduced to about 25 members (from 200 or so at its height), all between 60 and 108 years old, it still attracts worshipers every year, especially at its August festival, when the sisters wear their traditional clothes, and celebrate their own interpretation of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The traditional attire is changed 3 times during the ceremony to underline the meaning of each procession.
Presently reduced to about 25 members (from 200 or so at its height), all between 60 and 108 years old, it still attracts worshipers every year, especially at its August festival, when the sisters wear their traditional clothes, and celebrate their own interpretation of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The traditional attire is changed 3 times during the ceremony to underline the meaning of each procession.
