Santeria is also known as:
Regla de Ocha, La Regla Lucumi, Lukumi
Santeria is a syncretistic religion of Caribbean origin.
It combines:
The worship of the Orisha (literally "head guardian") and
other beliefs of the Ifa religion, as practiced by the Yoruba and Bantu people in Southern Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea Coast,
and
Elements of worship from Roman Catholicism.
Its origin dates back to Cuba and Brazil circa 1515 CE.
During the slave trade, Yoruba natives were forcibly transported
from Africa to the Caribbean. They were typically baptized by the Roman Catholic church
upon arrival, and their native practices were suppressed. They developed a novel way of
keeping their old beliefs alive by equating the each Orisha of their traditional
religions with a corresponding Christian Saint.
The Orisha:
Santeria includes the worship of the Orisha -- literally "head
guardians," and religious beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people in Southern
Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea Coast. These are combined with elements of Roman Catholicism.
Arriving as slaves In the Caribbean, Santerians preserved the elements of
their religion by equating each Orisha of their traditional religions
with a corresponding Christian Saint. Many traditions within the religion recognize
different equivalencies. One common example includes:
*Babalz Ayi became St. Lazarus (patron of the sick)
*Shangs became St. Barbara (controls thunder, lightning, fire...)
*Eleggua or Elegba became St. Anthony (controls roads, gates etc)
*Obatala became Our Lady of Las Mercedes, and the Resurrected Christ (father of creation;
source of spirituality)
*Oggzn became St. Peter (patron of war)
*Oshzn became Our Lady of Charity (controls money, sensuality...)
Other Santerian beliefs:
Many Santerian beliefs are not freely discussed outside of the faith. In addition there
are many religious leaders whose beliefs and practices differ significantly. The following
is a general outline of what is known:
Deities: God is referred to as Olorun, or Olódùmarè,
the "owner of heaven". He
is the supreme deity, the creator of the universe, and of the lesser guardians, called Orisha.
Each of the latter has an associated Christian Saint, a principle, important number,
color, food, dance posture and emblem. The Orishas need food in the form of animal
sacrifice, and prepared dishes, as well as human praise in order to remain effective.
Ritual Sacrifices: These form an integral part of many Santerian religious
rituals. The animal's blood is collected and offered to the Orisha. Chickens are the most
common animal used. Their sacrifice is believed to please the Saints, and to bring good
luck, purification and forgiveness of sins.
Possession: Rhythmic sounds and feverish dancing during Santerian rituals are
believed to lead to possession of the individual by the particular Orisha being invoked.
The individual then speaks and acts as the Orisha.
Veneration of Ancestors: Ones ancestors, called Ara Orun (People of
Heaven) are referred to for moral guidance and example. Their names are recited at family
ceremonies.
Santerian practices:
The following Santerian practices are known:
Secrecy: Very little information about beliefs, ritual,
symbolism, practice are released to the general public. One has to be
initiated into the faith before information is freely released.
Tradition: Santeria is not a religion of a book, like
Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Like most Aboriginal religions, it is
preserved by an oral tradition.
Ritual: A ritual typically begins with the invocation of
Olurun. Drums provide
background African rhythms. The Oru or rhythm changes to that associated with a
specific Orisha, who is then invoked as well. Animals, most commonly chickens, are
sacrificed during many rituals. Dancing is another main component of the ritual.
Priesthood: Priests are called Santeros or Babalochas.
Priestesses are called SanterasorIyalochas. The term Olorisha
can refer to a priest or a priestess. They are trained for many years in the oral traditions of the faith. This is followed by a
period of solitude before being initiated. They learn dance, songs and healing methods.
Botanicas: These are stores that specialize in providing Santerian supplies. They
sell charms, herbs, potions, musical instruments, and other materials used by
believers.
There are many national variations to this religion. This is particularly obvious in
places like Los Angeles, CA where the Spanish speaking population has many national
origins. Mexican Santeria, for example, emphasizes its Roman Catholic roots; it often
includes nationally-based icons, like the Virgin of Guadeloupe. Cuban Santeria tends to
emphasizes its African origins.
