Santeria (Lucumí): The Beliefs, Rituals and Taboos of Syncretism and Discreet Religion
The Yorùbá religion comprises religious beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people of old before the Yoruba community encountered Islam, Christianity and other faiths. It originated from Africa and in the New World, where it has influenced or given birth to several Afro-American religions such as Lucumí in Cuba and Umbanda and Candomblé in Brazil in addition to the transplantation of the homeland religions. A clergy is present representing the levels of spirituality on holds. Similar to many other religions that have some form of beliefs, Yoruba religious beliefs are part of itan — the complex of songs, histories, stories and other cultural concepts which make up the Yorùbá religion and society. Also, some Yoruba customs include a trance and divination system for…show more content… She is vast and powerful. Oshun is known for love, beauty, femininity and sensuality; often compared to Venus or Aphrodite. She is the power of sweetness in life, and all of the things that make life worth living. Oshun is a representation of all the phases of a woman’s life. She is said to reside in all the rivers of the world. Our Lady of Charity is Oshun in the Catholic religion. Shango is the orisha known as the king of our religion in Santeria. He is also one of the most popular orishas in the religion. Shango has the power of fire, lightning and thunder. “Chango is a powerful sorcerer who crafts indomitable spells in his Odó (mortar) including the magic that allows him to spit fire.” (www.santeriachurch.org) Shango residences at the top of the royal palm tree. “Chango teaches us to live a full life, enjoying all it has to offer, while at the same time cultivating diplomacy and royal grace.” (www.santeriachurch.org) Shango is referred to as Saint Barbara in the Catholic