Santeria and its Afro-American inception in Cuba

Santeria is a religion that finds its origin in Cuba. This was back when people were being forced into conversion the African community there started practicing santeria in secret. They would practice their rituals and traditions but under a Catholic god's name to avoid being prosecuted.

In santeria, the gods are called Orisha ( pronounced: Oricha). Every follower has a father orisha and aa mother orisha. There are over 400 Orisha and to know which one is yours there are 2 ways. To find out who your mother Orisha is you ask the babalorisha ( the priest) of santeria. To know who your Father Orisha is, is a slightly longer process.

Once a new follower approaches the Babalorisha to find their father the following traition is to be observed. The tradition begins with the follower shaving their head, wear headgear for a year. they are to observe silence in a room for a week with chantings only after which no one is to touch them for the following year. Once the year completes you are born again and to welcome you to the community a ceremony is held. The follower is celebrated with offering to gods and animal sacrifices, during this ceremony someone usually gets possessed by a spirit and tells you who your Father Orisha is.

I often found people in Cuba dressed uniquely and couldn't tell why. Below are some pictures of people observing that year of purity.

Ifa or Orugula are believed to be the god creators and have holy books for the follower to then abide by. Elva believed to be a child god, considered the god of doorways is summoned before any auspicious gathering or summoning of other Orishas.

Cuban dolls also play an important role in performing the rituals. Different colors are associated with different Orishas and signify something.

Vatala is considered the father of wisdom and heath.

Au chum is referred to as the God of arts and is portrayed as a woman of gold.

Sanlasa is considered the protector of Animals.

Chango the warrior god of lightning is a womanizer and is to be prayed to for revenge or getting a woman.

It does resonate with me on some level given my Hindu upbringing but obviously each religion is different and beautiful on its own. I found it amusing and insightful, I hope you do too.

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