Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. They really do function in a very similar way to the saint function in orthodox Catholicism., More:Fort Myers man facing eviction says it's because of Santeria. Strolling through the streets of Cuba, youll occasionally come across people wearing all white clothingchances are these people are going through their Santera initiation. Cuba is still the religious center of Santera, but the faith has spread to many other countries as well, including the U.S. All Rights Reserved. The spirits of our ancestors are always with us, they become our "egun," who guide us and help us through life. Read more. A large number of slaves were imported to Cuba via Matanzas during the 19th century, and Santera gained a strong following here. Loss is hard. In most cases, the purpose of a funeral is to show respect to the deceased and to support family members. Ei Ach Iy is a practicing Santera, daughter of Ochn. People of all ages can choose to follow Santera, with an initiation process that sets the follower on la regla de ocha (the way of orishas). Feel free to ask people about the religion and, if given permission, take photographs. Read Rituals and Spells of Santeria, and discover the Orishas and saints identified with the forces of nature that surround us, and explore the natural religion of Santeria. We communicate with egun at a boveda we set up in the house, and we honor them by giving them small gifts, like flowers, candles, or glasses of fresh water. After 24 hours, the wake ends. Bath & Floor Washes Herb Baths Bath Salts & Bath Bombs Spiritual Baths & Waters Spiritual Soaps Spiritual Perfumes & Colognes Spiritual Perfumes Slaves from West Africa were imported to Cuba in the 17th century, and they brought their religious tradition with them. A well known and well loved member of our religious community died very suddenly of a heart attack, and immediately his godfather, godsisters and godbrothers went into action, planning for his Itutu ceremony. Orishas are present throughout nature in objects like shells and stones. Do you know the meaning of the Ritual Colors in Santeria? Santeria and Orishas: An Essential Guide to Lucumi Spells, Rituals and African Orisha Deities along with Their Presence in Yoruba, Voodoo, Hoodoo and Santeria (Pagan Beliefs) Mari Silva 4.7 out of 5 stars 66 $14.95. In fact, when Santeros find themselves in a difficult position, they sometimes say that they are going to have to go to Guanabacoa to find a babalawo to help solve their problems. January 2017 To this day, the city is an important site for Santera followers. In each of these places, there are opportunities to learn more about the religion. They interpret the will of the gods using divination, which involves an elaborate ceremony that often includes rum, drums, cigars, and animal sacrifice. Visits to the cathedral at El Cobre, which is about 15 miles (23 km) from Santiago, will also be instructive. A Cuban funeral is a uniform event that may contain some nuances of Catholicism. A Cuban funeral is a uniform event that may contain some nuances of Catholicism. If you have the time for a conversation, you may consider sharing positive stories about the deceased. Theres Ochn, who wears yellow and is associated with the Virgen de la Caridad (the Virgin of Charity). The third ritual, known as receiving the warriors, is a ritual where the initiated receives objects from their padrino that represents the warriors; Iron tools to represent Ogn; an iron bow and arrow to represent Ochosi; and an iron or silver chalice surmounted by a rooster to represent Osn. Santera is polytheistic and revolves around deities called oricha. The body is surrounded by simple wreaths, purchased by family members and attendees. When interacting with Santeros, please be respectful of their religion. Once the body arrives at the burial site, it is lowered into the open vault. Since many Cubans spiritual beliefs are a mixture of Catholicism and Santera, it is difficult to make a generalization regarding burial beliefs and traditions. and others may ask for burial with a bottle of rum. It is up to the orishas to determine whether a candidate for priesthood has passed the tests or failed. Those who advanced the socialist cause may be honored by having a Cuban flag displayed at the wake. Training includes divinatory work, herbalism, and counseling. advice. Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. The transformation of the original religion can be seen in how the Yorb deities (Orichs) were blended with the Catholic saints. The drums are considered sacred and only men can play them. During the consultation, the Santero determines which path of Elegu the recipient will receive. However, if a person is entering Santera for the need of healing, they will undergo the rogacin de la cabeza blessing of the head in which coconut water and cotton are applied on the head to feed it. Read more. Three years after the death, the family members return to the gravesite and remove the remains of the deceased. Hector Avalos, Introduction to the U.S. Latina and Latino Religious Experience, 2004. Elements of Santera and its African roots permeate Cuban culture, including by These rituals can include Roman Catholic elements: Lydia Cabrera notes that, in Santera, one ritual against evil eye combines a specially prepared herbal bath with three Our Fathers, Three Credos, and Three Ave Marias. Santeras roots can be traced to the Lucum religion, which was practiced by the Yoruba tribes of modern-day Benin and Nigeria. After the ritual, the animal is cooked and eaten, except when it is sacrificed for a death or healing rite. There is a strong ethic of helping others and working cooperatively to lift people out of poverty and sickness toward blessings, health, prosperity and longevity., More:Headless chickens found along Cape Coral roads likely religion-based, no threat, police say, The Church of the Orishas site acknowledges Every initiation inSanterarequiresanimal sacrifice. (You can find stories of the poorly made coffins breaking during the transporting process.) GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. (AP) The first funerals were held Saturday for students who were killed in this week's mass shooting at Michigan State University.. Mourners in the Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe Farms filed into St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church to remember 20-year-old sophomore Brian Fraser, who was one of three students killed in Monday's attack. The many cabildos and casas that bridged the 19th and 20th centuries are fondly remembered by contemporary priests as the origins and strongholds of Cuban Lucum culture and religion. BBC 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. On the way to the burial site, the body may be first taken to a chapel where a deacon performs the last sacrament. During the wake, youll have an opportunity to express your condolences to the family members. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal September 2012 The ach exists in everything and is too complex to comprehend fully. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Kenneth Robert . Some ritual dances are performed by covering the body in white powder made from eggshells (cascarilla) and drawing spiritual symbols with it. Chang (also spelled Shang, ango, or Xango) is one of the most popular orishas in Santeria and is the king of our religion on earth. If you have never attended a Cuban funeral, you may be wondering about appropriate etiquette for the event. My purpose here is not to tell you how to perform the Itutu ceremony. The neighboring town of Guanabacoa is also an important center for Santera. Santeros often have statues of saints in their home, and may even have an altar where pastries, candles, fruits, and coins are offered to their orisha. Create a free online memorial to gather donations from loved ones. Each il is composed of those who occasionally seek guidance from the orishas as well as those who are in the process of becoming priests. This act of taking care of the body falls to the young children in attendance. His Catholic avatar is Santa Barbara. This is usually done quickly most bodies are usually buried within 24 hours. This link will open in a new window. The faithful give the objects ritual baths and meals of blood through animal sacrifice, as well as infusions of herbs, he writes. March 2017 Sometimes feared and often misunderstood, Santera and other Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions still persist in the U.S. - especially in South Florida. There is little concern about whether the deceased was Catholic or not. The elekes serves as the sacred banners for the Orichs and act as a sign of the Orichs presence and protection; however, it must never be worn during a womans menstruation period, nor during sex, nor when bathing. Accept, Race, socioeconomic group, religion, age, and region affect funeral traditions and, What happens on the way to the burial site, As the funeral car slowly enters the cemetery, the mourners may follow behind on foot. November 2014 That may be in part due to an auspicious event that happened during his victory speech on January 8, 1959. Facebook. hb```a``Na`c` @QF=u.Z#xWXz@i_X'"s\8_I ;P[E4000Chf ``yd\:km6ed;6[X8g5are(H`tYByqlzQ=7Cwc=\V11nJPKwfv er;?b).=W 422 0 obj <> endobj Black color: It is associated with elegance, formality, death, mystery and the unknown of Esh and Eggun (spirits). The benefit of belonging to a religious community and having close ties to your religious elders became apparent when I got a message this week from a woman whose father had recently died. If you see a purple orb, stop what you're doing and clear your mind. Sue McDonald. The blessing is given regardless of the past of the deceased. To become a Santero, one must pass a series of tests and requirements prior to initiation. Orishas are also nourished by other forms of worship and praise. subject to our Terms of Use. What can we do for our departed loved ones. The slaves were banned from practicing their own religion, so they disguised their gods as Catholic figures and continued to pray to them as they pleased. Thanks to your blog, I know I should set money aside for any coast that might need to be covered as well. In addition to the visitation for family and friends in a funeral home, the memorial service in his home, the burial that will take place next week, there is a religious ceremony that needs to take place to determine what to do with his Orichas now that his body has left the earth and he is no longer here to look after them. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. The Padrino rubs the herbs and water in a specific pattern of movements into the scalp of the head. What Is Santera? But it's also a legitimate question as to whether the industrial slaughter of animals, which happens billions of times every year, is humane Neither dilemma washes out the other, but its a point of reflection., Ultimately, Frim said, A lot of the misunderstanding, ironically, has to do with the history of persecution. Ghost towns, abandoned gold mines, rowdy saloons, and tragic endings of, How to Catch Ghosts on Camera: 13 Tips for Success, You don't need specialized camera gear or video equipment to get some compelling images of the supernatural. Sometimes feared and often misunderstood, Santera and other Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions still persist in the U.S. especially in South Florida. In Regla, a neighborhood on the eastern side of the Havana harbor, youll often see Santera shrines in front of homes. April 2019 She knew he had Orichas and she didn't know what to do with them, so she wrote to me, after finding my website on the internet. An estimated 70 percent of Cuba's 11 million people perform some type of Afro-Cuban practice, including many of the country's Catholics. Through these sacred drums, messages of worshippers reach the orichs and the orichs respond to their devotees. How we conduct the Itutu ceremony is not public knowledge, meaning the details should only be known by initiated priests and priestesses in the religion. They clean the graves and leave food, drink, and flowers at each marker. Chickens are the most commonly used animal, although goats, sheep, and other animals can be used. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. In the minds of many Cubans, the two religions parallel one another, rather than existing as one unified religion. With Santera rituals there are musical ceremonies and prayers that are referred to as bemb, toque de santo, or tambor. June 2015 Baths & Floor Washes 16 oz. Visitation will be held on January 25, 2023 at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, 6301 W. St Joe Hwy, Lansing MI, 48917 from 12 Noon to 2PM followed by a Gravesite Service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing MI, 48906 at 3PM. The entire religion being syncretic is based on this history of persecutionthe secrecy and the mystery, and the fear. Music, drumming, chanting, dancing, praying and eating are all part of Santera ceremonies and rituals. Santeria is a fusion of Catholic practices and African folk beliefs. Sacrificial animals include chickens (the most common), pigeons, doves, ducks, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, and turtles. Each human is believed to have a personal link to a particular oricha who influences their personality. January 2016 The animals are killed by cutting the carotid arteries with a single knife stroke in a similar way to other religious methods of slaughter. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. When I did write my will, I did leave it to my ile. Funerals in Socialist Cuba. Politics and Society. Eb is one of the cornerstones of the Santeria religion, and it is the tool that we have been given by the Orishas to change our fate and return our lives to a balanced and healthy state.. Ebo takes many forms. Then, based on his findings, he chooses materials that will be used to construct the image of the Elegu, a sculpture that is used to keep evil spirits away from the initiators home. Resently I have started my path in Santeria. If you watch a ceremony or take photographs, its customary to offer a tip afterwards. Her experiences with the paranormal include leading workshops and a talk radio show. It was a way to preserve their traditional beliefs without defying the dominant culture (scholars call this blending process syncretism). There might be an additional charge if the deceased wished to be cremated. for wide variation in rituals. BBC 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Some Cubans make special requests for their funerals. Santera does not use a central creed for its religious practices; though it is understood in terms of its rituals and ceremonies. The combining of concepts and terminology from different religions in this case, from Catholicism and the Lucum religion is called religious syncretism. Once those priests have initiated other priests, they become known as babalorichs, fathers of orich (for men) and as iyalorichs, mothers of orich (for women). The spirit then moves through the person in dance and takes part in the eating of the sacrificed animal that has been cooked and prepared for the celebration. Figured it was the respectful thing to do. It's recycled into the universe. This link will open in a new window. If an individual has consistently bad luck, they must appease their orisha to achieve harmony and balance in their life. With Santera rituals there are musical ceremonies and prayers that are referred to as bemb, toque de santo, or tambor. Santera practitioners embrace the fact that they share the world with spirits, and these spirits can even be on their bodies. Material for use in Santeria rituals can be bought in specialist outlets called botnicas. Cemetery doors mark the boundary between the living and the dead. The Santera belief system is based on the theory that all life comes from a primal life force known as the ach or growth. December 2018 Speak positively about the deceaseds contributions or tell the story of your first impressions of the person. These drums are used only by men and must always be treated with respect; for example, dancers must never turn their backs towards the drums while dancing, as it is considered disrespectful. The initiations are ritualistic and involve elaborate ceremonies. Here are the seven top myths about Santeria. Many Santeros make the journey here to pray to Ochn, a.k.a. Followers of an Orisha will offer them food and sacrifice animals to them in order to build and maintain a personal relationship with the spirit. This is further racist, colonial depiction of the beautiful and complex African religious tradition ofSantera. The goal of most Yoruba/Lucum people is not to spend eternity in Heaven, but to live a good life on earth. The act of birth has blood associated with it. This process represents the cutting away of the nooses tied around slaves' necks as they were hanged. They connect us to the divine. Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education. Wakes are rather somber affairs and dont include food or drink. Even though American society is dressing less formally now than what was typical in the past, most people still wear suits and dresses to funerals. Santera is popular throughout all of Cuba, but the cities of Santiago, Matanzas, and Havana have the largest number of followers. Santeria, like Vodou, is an African Diaspora religion, meaning that it is based on native African religious traditions that were brought to the Americas by African slaves. 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