Santeria is a belief system which includes its origins in Yoruba land, western Africa. Through the times during the slavery, within the 17th century, this belief system took a journey from western Africa to Cuba. It survived hundreds of years despite tries to expel and became popularly referred to as SanterГa because initially Africans saw similarities between a few of the Catholic Saints and their deities that are yoruban. The title has also been method of disguising their practices behind a Catholic faГ§ade.
Yet there is certainly nevertheless much fear, secret and misunderstandings Santeria. Listed below are ten things you must know about Santeria.
1. There clearly was only 1 Jesus. The Creator known as Olodumare like many modern religions, SanterГa followers believe in just one God. It really is neither a Polytheistic nor a Pagan faith, nor an animistic one. The key reason why there was confusion is many relate to the Orishas as Gods. Strictly speaking, the Orisha aren’t Gods but facets of Olodumare which are manifested into the world that is natural us.
Every person is believed to become a young kid of an Orisha…There are hundreds of Orisha, but there are some which are very popular than the others. Among the renowned Orishas are Elegua, the trickster deity, Ogun, the blacksmith warrior and Ochosi the hunter. They’ve been collectively referred to as “The Warriors”.
Then there’s Yemaya, the caretaker deity that rules the Ocean and it is the caretaker of all of us. Oshun could be the deity of this sweet waters and can be the patron of all which makes life worth residing, the arts, music, love and sweetness. Obatala could be the King associated with White Cloth, the master of all uninitiated heads and is short for knowledge, persistence and justice. He additionally reminds us to respect our elders. Shango could be the King regarding the Drum, a deity who was simply when a King of Oyo. Their Domain is Thunder and lightening. Oya may be the Orisha that guards the gates associated with Cemetery; this woman is additionally Queen of industry place. There are numerous numerous others, all who possess equal value.
2. SanterГa professionals worship their ancestors; like the majority of African Religions there was a great focus on Ancestor Worship. A reverence to your Ancestors is fundamental towards the SanterГa religion and prior to each ceremony, libation and prayers to your ancestors are carried out. It is critical to understand and point out by title the people in your family that is own that passed away towards the world of the ancestors along with people in your religious ancestors.
3. Santeria is certainly not a get it done yourself religion. It is a grouped community based religion having a plainly defined hierarchy. Trained priests perform ceremonies. These priests participate in a residential district of priests who also provide an extended historical lineage. Many priests will exercise together in an Ile (a house that is religious and train for different roles.
Initiation will not create a priest. Many competent Santerosand Babalawos have actually undertaken many years of training and research. Like priests various other religions, you can find good people, not too good people and ones that are bad. Akpwon is a singer that is knowledgeable of spiritual tracks. Omo AГ±a is a kid regarding the AГ±a, the actual only real people which can be permitted to play the sacred consecrated drums that accompany Tambors. Aborisha are non-initiated Santeria professionals owned by an Ile. Additionally the ones that specialize in cooking food that is religious those who are professionals in natural herbs; the ones that are beaders, throne makers and Blacksmiths and differing other functions. An Iyawo is really a newly initiated priest of SanterГa.
The ORIATE/OBA are highly trained priests associated with religion. Also they are trained and skilled as Diviners of this System associated with Dilogun, the mouthpiece associated with the Orisha. They direct the main and complex ceremonies.
4. DIVINATION. A follower of Santeria will find themselves at the feet of Ifa or the Dilogun at some point in their lives.
Within a reading there clearly was a possibility of 256 different indications that could show up. Each sign has different parables and stories mounted on it. A reading shall allow the customer understand where they have been inside their life. A reading identifies days gone by, future and present. They’ll certainly be encouraged on how best to balance their everyday lives; which course they ought to just simply take regarding individual relationships, work and social and spiritual task and practical tips about how exactly to attain their objectives. If the customer seeking the reading takes upon the advice and does the ongoing work provided is yet another matter. During the end, it’s a question of free might in addition to customer has got the option as to whether or otherwise not to adhere to the advice associated with the reading. There’s also the operational system of Obi. This is actually the throwing of five bits of Coconut. This will be an easier type of divination, that will be utilized by Santeros once they need to keep in touch with their Orisha.
5. The Period of initiation requires an and a week year. The period that is initial of times by which different ceremonies are executed, is followed closely by a 12 months of the extremely extremely strict rule of conduct, which include, the using of white and special sacred beads and bangles. It needs the newest initiate to refrain from connection with non-initiates. They’re not permitted to consume alcohol, to put on make up, to shave or even to consume with everybody at the dining dining table. They’re not permitted away in the evening, perhaps perhaps not allowed to go to crowded places, maybe maybe not allowed to shake fingers with anybody or non-initiates that are hug. They may not be permitted to simply take any things straight from anybody or to walk barefooted. These are typically forbidden from having their picture taken, forbidden from partying and have now to eat and drink only sugar mommy sites in Baltimore from a unique dish and spoon and glass which they must take with you with them all the time.
These are typically designed to keep themselves extremely pure and also to spend some time understanding and studying the advise through the Orisha. They need to keep their minds covered all of the time. Fundamentally this current year may be the start of these journey that is new and are reborn. Following the 12 months is up. Priests nevertheless continue steadily to follow specific taboos and limitations being for a lifetime. Every individual Santero has various taboos concerning them as a person. An Iyawo is a newly initiated Santero.