Many saints of santeria and each of them has particular characteristics that distinguish them. Get to know in Spiritual Energy everything related to this cultural, traditional and religious theme of Cuban santeria.
saints of santeria
It is common to hear certain names of some saints of Santeria, but the truth is that there are many more than those who are considered the main ones. Each one of them is differentiated according to certain aspects and, in turn, many of these aspects are granted to their children.
Santeria is associated with worshiping saints and is currently practiced in a large number of Caribbean and Latin American places, among which Cuba stands out. One of the great peculiarities of this cult is that it is distinguished from others, either by the way in which they carry out the rites and their beliefs.
Cuba is one of the main sites associated with this religion, because of the characteristics that integrates Santeria, it is the veneration of the ancestors and the Catholicism of this place.
One area of this island country is traditionally Catholic, while another part has people with African origins who believe in gods. While there are those who have beliefs in both religions, what is called syncretism. Or those who do not believe in anything.
This has generated a mixture of races and derivations of different cultures that carry out religious practices, venerations and beliefs. Which has been spreading to different countries and these practices are currently carried out in believers in the cult of Santeria.
Santeria in Cuba
The mixture of components that make up this religious practice encompasses the Spanish culture associated with the Catholic and the African culture, known as Yoruba. The development of this drift since the captives of Nigeria and other areas of the African continent practiced the Yoruba religion.
Where they began to identify their African gods, known as orishas, with the saints who belonged to Catholicism, the official religion of this island country of the American continent. An association began to be established regarding appearance and deeds, that is, a relationship between the two religions.
This caused the owners to believe that the captives had converted to Christianity, but what really happened is that they practiced their traditional beliefs.
Once the Cubans began to go to other countries, they spread this religious practice and today it is found in various Latin American countries. Where the realization of these cults has expanded in certain areas.
If you are Latin American, you may have heard of Santeria. In many of the places mentioned above, it usually manifests itself in certain people who worship their deities and who are associated with specific descriptions of them.
Yoruba religion and its orishas
The saints of Santeria are commonly associated with their most well-known names, but there are many more deities than you may have heard of.
In relation to the Yoruba religion, it arises in Nigeria and neighboring countries, especially in the western area of the African continent. This religion has been manifested there for more than 12 centuries. Where their beliefs are compacted in the so-called Rule of Osha-Ifá.
In this way, it is known as Cuban santeria, a denomination that is maintained today, since most people name those belonging to this religion as santeros. Each of the saints of Santeria has a specific feature to identify and distinguish. In fact, there are many, but there are Latin American countries where those considered to be the main ones are usually known, especially.
However, the saints of Santeria are also known through their importance and relationship with the development of this religion.
In fact, this religion is also often called the religion of the orishas, but in order to better understand this subject, it is essential to know about its origin and the deities that comprise it. However, the Catholic Church does not recognize Santeria as a Christian cult but a pagan one. So it is done by a group of people who become santeros.
Olodumare
Among the main ones, Olodumare stands out, whom they consider to be the universal, authentic and omnipotent god. Everything that exists arises from it, since it is the material and spiritual representation of everything created. So he has no representation, due to his lack of human characteristics, so no offerings are given to him.
It should be noted that the offerings are a very important element that is given to the saints of Santeria. Which is usually done according to the characteristics of each of the deities and at specific times.
Olofi or Olofin
He is considered the descendant of Olodumare, as well as one of his demonstrations. In Cuban santeria it is associated with the Christ of the Catholic religion. The name derives from the Yoruba Olofin, which means palace owner.
Where his palace is heaven and his royal court the Orishas. That is to say, he, with his domain, was the one who created the Orishas to be able to communicate indirectly with men, guide them and watch over them. On a few occasions he comes down to the world as energy. The Orishas or Oshas are known as the gods who preside over the forces of nature and everything related to humanity.
The Yorubas consider that each human being is born to fulfill a certain objective in his life. Although there are many events that alter it. It is there where the Orishas come in, who fulfill the function of solving it.
There are many saints of Santeria, in fact there are 401 in total. However, in the American continent very few are usually known, from them the belief of this religion is spread in the certain countries of this continent.
It should be noted that the saints of Santeria are also different, because each one has a certain color, number and date to praise themselves.
Best known Orishas of Cuban Santeria
Among the saints of Cuban Santeria that are best known and venerated in Latin America, the following stand out:
obbatala
This orisha is the main representation of justice, health, purity, wisdom, honesty and peace. Hence, it is one of the most revered by the believers of this religion. In addition to that, it is the largest of the orishas, so it is at the highest level.
He is a descendant of Olofin and Oloddumare. He was sent to Earth by Olofin, in order to generate good and preside as the ruler of the planet. Hence he has understanding and bestows peace and harmony. He spreads good behavior, so the orishas in their entirety go looking for him as a lawyer.
It is characterized by being a highly respected deity, possessor of the intelligence and feelings of people. In fact, they consider him as the one who created people and everything in the world.
The color with which this deity is identified is white. Which symbolizes peace and purity. It is also associated with the number 8 and its multiples. The day on which he is venerated is September 24. Her days of the week are Thursdays and Sundays. The feminine way in which she is represented is with the Virgen de las Mercedes.
This is one of the saints of Santeria who owns everything white, as well as the head, thoughts and dreams. He is also the only Orisha that has male and female pathways.
Their descendants are very respectful, calm and like to be very reserved. Most of them are usually intellectuals, writers or artists. He does not even allow someone to undress where he is or that very strong or disrespectful phrases are pronounced.
Shango or Chango
He is also one of the best-known saints of Santería, which is why he is usually one of the main ones.
It is characterized by being the maximum representative of the happiness of living. In reality he was a king in Nigeria and a warrior who was not afraid of anything, so he was very brave. He was also a womanizer, he liked to drink and was very attractive.
He is known to have been the king of the city of Oyo, a Yoruba state that was located in what is now western and northern Nigeria. Among the saints of Santeria he is one of the most popular orishas in the Yoruba pantheon.
He is considered the god of war, possessor of lightning, thunder and fire. He also of dance and music, which is represented through the Batá drums. Apart from being a warrior, he is a fortune teller and healer. He grants victory over adversaries and inconveniences. He is associated with Santa Bárbara, although in Ocha's rule, he is represented as a virile orisha who does not have female paths.
In this way, their descendants are diviners by origin. On top of that, they are high energy, intelligent, as well as arrogant, proud, and angry.
The men associated with him are usually womanizers and macho. While women are brave, hardworking and do not forgive if they were unfaithful.
He is represented with the number 4, the colors red and white and the day he is honored is December 4. His day of the week is Saturday. Likewise, he represents the need, the intensity of life, the beauty of man, passion, intelligence and riches.
Yemaya
Among the main saints of Santeria, this deity also stands out. To which she is associated with very significant aspects, especially for women.
She is considered the mother of all the orishas, as well as an example of a mother of the entire universe. She is also associated with the protection of children and women who are pregnant.
At the same time she is attributed as the queen of the sea, source of life, intelligence, witchcraft and logic. She is related to the rivers and mouths, as well as to the fertility of women, motherhood and the continuity of life. Similarly, she is ruler of fishing and harvests.
She is Oshun's sister and Shangó's mother. She is associated with the Virgin of Regla. As the guardian of all wealth, if something is lost from her, it can be achieved with her help. The way to look for it in nature is through the sea, in the tops of the waves that collide with the coasts and rocks.
Their descendants are very strong, strict and willful. However, they are also very maternal and paternal, characterized by having a character that varies like the sea. They are among those who do not forget offenses, even if they have forgiven them. In fact, she is the mother of fourteen of the most outstanding orishas.
Likewise, they love everything related to luxury and splendor. There are men who tend to be mannered and sometimes act with characteristics of women. He is credited with the number 7 and its multiples, as well as the color navy blue. The date on which he is venerated is September 7. His day of the week is Saturday. Learn more about Yemaya.
Oshun
Also one of the most outstanding saints of Santeria and that represents many of the characteristics that women have.
She is considered the orisha that represents the intense feelings of people, love, spirituality, elegance, the fine, the feminine and fertility. So it has great virtues of women. Well, she is very beautiful and seductive.
She is Yemayá's younger sister and the smallest orisha, so she is everyone's darling. She is also the only one who enters where Olofin is, to implore for the beings that inhabit the world. So she is one of the most appreciated by all elements and people.
It is said that he lived in a cave that is still located in Nigeria, in the northern area, towards the Nile River. In fact, the largest number of people who believe in him are located where his river is in Nigeria. They usually bring offerings there and ask for favors. She is identified with the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, who is the patron saint of Cuba.
She is credited with being the possessor of love, honey and gold. Therefore, she rules in the fresh waters of the whole world, also in the torrents, fountains, wells and rivers. When women want to be pregnant with her, they come to her, since she is able to control fertility.
Their offspring are nice, happy and like to socialize. However, they love to give orders. They are also very curious, seductive, they love jewelry, clothes and quality perfumes. They even tend to give a lot of importance to what other people say.
The number that represents it is 5 and its multiples, as well as its color is yellow. The date on which he is venerated is September 8. His day of the week is Saturday. Many tend to go to her when they require monetary support, among other things.
Eleggua
One of the most named and therefore well-known saints of Santeria. Characterized by being associated with warriors.
In fact, he is considered the most outstanding of the warriors and the one the orishas fear the most. This is because he is the possessor of destiny, so he can bring back and forth the good and the not-so-good that happen unexpectedly.
He is characterized by being a mischievous boy to whom Olofi gave him a key, making him the possessor of destiny, after he had cured him. So he is in charge of opening or closing the roads and accesses so that people are happy or not. He is also considered to be the guardian of the gates, including that of the dead.
He is considered as being an informer and commissioner of the divinities, since each Orisha works with an Elegguá. His name symbolizesl messenger prince. Without it nothing can be achieved. He therefore he is the main god of divination.
He is identified with Saint Anthony of Padua, the Child of Prague or Atocha and Saint Martin de Porres. Also, he is one of the seven main gods of the Yoruba Pantheon, so he is the first to be called when a religious act is carried out and he is also the last to say goodbye.
Their descendants are characterized by being intelligent and capable, although they are careful and many of them are even womanizers, they love to be on the street. They also like to talk a lot and are associated with the area of commerce and politics.
The number with which it is identified is 3 and the colors with which it is identified are red and black, as well as white and black. The days in which homage is paid to him are January 6 and June 13. His day of the week is Monday. Learn more about Choose.
Other prominent orishas
In addition to the aforementioned Santeria saints, the following also stand out:
Babalu Aye
He is credited with healing the sick, because Olofi rescued him from death. So he is invoked especially for illnesses. In this way, he is considered to be very miraculous, because he heals and grants wishes.
However, he is very strict with the fulfillment of the promises made to him and in case they do not fulfill them, he can punish by causing skin diseases. He is the orisha of leprosy, smallpox, venereal diseases, plagues and misery. He is identified with Saint Lazarus.
Their descendants are people who are always aware of the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of those who are close to them. In this way, they are careful to offer affection, solidarity, help, support and understanding to those who need it, although they do not like to talk a lot. In fact, they are usually very lonely and self-conscious people.
The number with which it is identified is 17 and its multiples. The color is purple. The date on which he is honored is December 17. His day of the week is Friday.
Oggun
He is one of the saints of Santeria, who is also considered a warrior.
In this way, it is the representation of strength, vigor, work and resistance. So he is in all the battles and knows about the secrets that Mt.
He is credited with being the god of weapons and instruments, which is why he is symbolized with an iron. So he is the orisha of those who work with the blacksmith. He also of combat, technology, surgeons, the military and agents. It is located in the mountains and on the train tracks.
He is the brother of Shangó and Elegguá. In fact, he is restless and skillful like Elegguá but he is more willful. He represents beginnings, morning and spring. He is identified with Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Michael the Archangel.
Their descendants have an aggressive, brusque character and do not easily forgive the offenses of others.
However, they are usually very good friends, and they are also fun. In fact, it is common for them to be attracted to the opposite sex, although they do not like to be with just one person.
The number that represents it is 3 and its multiples. The colors that identify it are green, purple and black. The date on which he is venerated is April 23 and also June 29. His day of the week is Monday.
Other main saints of Santeria are:
- Orula or Orunmila: Orisha of divination and superior prediction. Her colors are green and yellow.
- ochosi: It is one of the first Orishas and Osha that any person receives. Related to justice. His colors are blue and yellow.
- Hey: Considered as lady of the rainbow, whirlpool and of the deceased. Her colors are all except black.
- Aggayu: It represents the volcano and the interior of the earth, as well as the forces of nature. Its colors are dark red and white or the 9 colors minus black.
- Osuna: Custodian and watchman of those who believe in this religion. Its color is white.
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