Santeria is a belief system which has its roots in Yoruba land, western Africa. Throughout the times during the slavery, within the seventeenth century, this belief system took a journey from West Africa to Cuba. It survived hundreds of years despite tries to expel and became popularly referred to as SanterГa because initially Africans saw similarities seeking arrangement south carolina between a few of the Catholic Saints and their deities that are yoruban. The name ended up being additionally a real way of disguising their methods behind a Catholic faГ§ade.
Yet there clearly was fear that is still much mystery and misunderstandings Santeria. Listed below are ten things you must know about Santeria.
1. There 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 the fact that many relate to the Orishas as Gods. Strictly talking, the Orisha are not Gods but facets of Olodumare which are manifested when you look at the natural globe around us.
Every individual is thought to be son or daughter of a Orisha…There are hundreds of Orisha, but there are lots of which are very popular than the others. Between the renowned Orishas are Elegua, the trickster deity, Ogun, the blacksmith warrior and Ochosi the hunter. They truly are collectively referred to as “The Warriors”.
Then there clearly was Yemaya, the caretaker deity that rules the Ocean and it is the caretaker of us all. Oshun may be the deity associated with waters that are sweet can be the patron of all that produces life well worth residing, the arts, music, love and sweetness. Obatala could be the King regarding the White Cloth, the master of all heads that are uninitiated is short for wisdom, patience and justice. He also reminds us to respect our elders. Shango could be the King associated with the Drum, a deity who was simply as soon as a King of Oyo. Their Domain is Thunder and lightening. Oya could be the Orisha that guards the gates for the Cemetery; this woman is additionally Queen of the marketdestination place. There are lots of others that are many all that have equal importance.
2. SanterГa professionals worship their ancestors; like the majority of African Religions there was an emphasis that is great Ancestor Worship. A reverence to the Ancestors is fundamental towards the SanterГa faith and before each ceremony, libation and prayers towards the ancestors are carried out. It is critical to understand and mention by title the people in your own household which have passed away to your world of the ancestors along with people of your spiritual ancestors.
3. Santeria is certainly not a take action yourself religion. it really is a community based religion having a demonstrably defined hierarchy. Trained priests perform ceremonies. These priests fit in with a residential area of priests whom likewise have an extended lineage that is historical. Numerous priests will exercise together in an Ile (a house that is religious and train for different functions.
Initiation doesn’t create a priest. Many competent Santerosand Babalawos have actually undertaken several years of training and research. Like priests in other religions, you can find good ones, not very good people and bad people. Akpwon is just a knowledgeable singer for the spiritual tracks. Omo AГ±a is a young child of this AГ±a, the actual only real ones that are allowed to have fun with the sacred consecrated drums that accompany Tambors. Aborisha are non-initiated Santeria professionals owned by an Ile. Additionally those who specialize in cooking food that is religious those who are professionals in natural herbs; the ones that are beaders, throne makers and Blacksmiths and different other functions. An Iyawo is a newly initiated priest of SanterГa.
The ORIATE/OBA are very skilled priests associated with faith. They are trained and skilled as Diviners for the System associated with the Dilogun, the mouthpiece associated with the Orisha. They direct the most crucial 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 signs that are different could show up. Each indication has parables that are various tales mounted on it. A reading will allow the customer understand where they have been within their everyday lives. A reading is the past, current and future. They’ll certainly be encouraged on how best to balance their life; which path they ought to take regarding individual relationships, work and social and religious activity and practical tips about simple tips to attain their objectives. If the customer requesting the reading takes upon the advice and does the work provided is another matter. During the final end, it really is a concern of free might plus the customer has got the option as to whether or otherwise not to check out the advice of this reading. Additionally there is the operational system of Obi. This is actually the throwing of five pieces of Coconut. It is an easier kind of divination, which will be employed by Santeros when they want to talk to their Orisha.
5. The time scale of initiation has an and a week year. The period that is initial of times by which different ceremonies are executed, is followed closely by a year of a very actually strict code of conduct, which include, the using of white and special sacred beads and bangles. It takes this new initiate to refrain from experience of non-initiates. They may not be allowed to consume alcohol, to put on make up, to shave or even to consume with everybody in the dining dining table. They’re not allowed away after dark, maybe maybe not allowed to head to crowded places, perhaps maybe not allowed to shake arms with anybody or non-initiates that are hug. They’re not permitted to take any items straight from anybody or even to walk barefooted. These are typically forbidden from having their picture taken, forbidden from partying and possess to eat and drink only from an unique dish and spoon and glass at all times that they must carry around with them.
They have been designed to keep on their own extremely pure also to spending some time understanding and learning the advise through the Orisha. They have to keep their minds covered all the time. Essentially this current year is the beginning of the brand new journey in addition they are reborn. After the is up year. Priests still continue to follow taboos that are certain limitations which are for a lifetime. Every specific Santero has various taboos associated with them as someone. An Iyawo is really a newly initiated Santero.