Afro-carribean Syncretic Religions

History/Founder/ important persons/saints : The origins of the Afro-Carribean sects (Known variously as Vodoun, Santeria/Lukumi, Candomble, Ifa, Palo Mayombe, etc.) are shrouded in the ancient past. Most were brought to the Americas by Yoruban slaves, (except for Palo, which is Bantu) who blended their tribal beliefs with Catholicism. Varieties of Yoruban religions are practiced in almost every country in the world. Most of the examples given here conform mainly to Santeria/Lukumi beliefs. The most common of the syncretic faiths are:

Candomble

Palo Mayombe

Santeria (Lukumi, Regla de Ocha)

Vodoun

 

Current leader/governing body: No central governing bodies.

Number of Adherents: Numbers vary wildly- it is estimated that seventy percent of Cubans are believers, and followers in the US number in the millions. Many practicing Catholics are also practitioners of syncretic religions.

Clergy: Priests/priestesses known as Santera/Santeros, Palero/Paleras, etc., depending on the sect.

Requirements to join: Generally, one must visit a Babalawo, who determines your 'Head' (the God you have the most affinity for, who becomes your guardian) via divination. If an Orisha accepts the candidate, he/she is assigned 'Godparents' (sponsors who guide the initiate) and enters an initiation process, which can be very complex. Often, one must follow strict rules of dress, shave one's head, or eat certain foods. During the initiation process, the candidate recieves a series of strands colored beads, called Elekes, sacred to the Orishas. Each Orisha has a seperate priesthood, and the secrets of one are seldom known by another. At the end of the probationary period, the candidate becomes a Santero/Santera during a large and expensive party known as an Asiento.

Scripture: None, most traditions are oral, and passed from teacher to initiate.

Required observances, dietary restrictions: Vary widely.

Code of Conduct: Believers are prohibited from Stealing, lying, committing suicide, or dishonoring their parents.

Holidays:

Basic teachings and Beliefs: Beliefs and practices vary widely from sect to sect and tend to be very complex, but all share some or all of the following traits: Syncretism between traditional Yoruban religion and Roman Catholocism, the practice of Animal sacrifice and trance possession, spirit mediumship, sympathetic magic, and elements of medieval magic and cabala. All of the sects are Monolatrous, believing that the Orishas (Saints, Orixas) are all aspects of an unknowable Supreme God, known as Oludomare. The seven main Orishas are known collectively as the Seven African Powers and are:

Ellegua, (Elegua, Exu, Eshu, Papa Legba, Papa Le Bas)a trickster/prankster, God of thresholds and crossroads, and the intercessor between worshippers and the other Orishas.

 

Chango, (Sango) a warrior, and the God of Justice, Dance and lightning.

 

Oya- Goddess of thunder and storms, cemeteries; a warrior and psychopomp. Wife of Chango.

 

Ochun, (Ocun, Osun) Goddess of Rivers and

 

Yemaya, (Yemanja) Goddess of the Ocean

 

Ogun, (Oggun) a warrior and vegetation God.

 

Obatala, Father and Chief of the Gods, linked to Oludomare. Creator of the human race.

Symbols: Each Orisha has his or her own symbol. Chango, a double-headed axe; for Obatala, a crown.

Myths and misconceptions: Some of the more gruesome misconceptions are that practitioners commit human sacrifice, practice Black magic, etc. These things are absolutely prohibited in these religions, although a Brujo/Bruha (witch) may practice forbidden or 'dark' magic, they do so without official sanction. When animal sacrifice, or Ebo, as practiced by these religions, is performed, every care is made that the death is quick and clean, and the animal is almost always consumed. Sacrifices are made to 'feed' the Orishas, not to accumulate 'power.'

Famous adherents: Desi Arnaz, Fidel Castro.