SANTERIA AND MACUMBA
Introduction
Santeria (the Way of the Saints) is a syncretistic religion of Caribbean
origin which combines the Gods, Goddesses and beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu
people in Southern Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea Coast with the God, Saints
and beliefs of Roman Catholicism. Many of its followers are uncomfortable
with the name "Santeria" and prefer to call it "La Regla Lucumi".
Its origins date back to the slave trade when 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 Gods and Goddesses of their traditional religions with the
Christian Saints. For example:
- 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...)
The religion is currently concentrated in Cuba and other Caribbean islands,
and among Hispanics in Florida and New York City. It has been actively
suppressed in Cuba since the communist revolution. However, it is rapidly
growing elsewhere. There are believed to be 300 thousand practitioners of
Santeria in New York alone. It is active in Brazil, where it is called
Macumba.
Santerian Beliefs
Many Santerian beliefs are not known outside of the faith. The following
is a general outline of what is known:
- Deities: God is referred to as Olorun, the "owner of
heaven". He is the supreme deity, the creator of the universe, and of
the lesser Gods, called Orisha. Each of the latter has an associated
Christian Saint, a principle, important number, colour, 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 Gods, and to bring good luck, purification and
forgiveness of sins.
- Posession: 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:
- 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 and priestesses are called Babalawo
(Father of the Mystery) or Santeros. They are trained for many years
in the oral tradition of the faith. This is followed by a period of solitude
before being initiated. They learn dance, songs and healing methods.
- Supply Stores: Botanicas are stores that specialize
in providing Santerian supplies. They sell charms, herbs, potions, musical
instruments, and other materials used by the followers.
Conflicts over Santeria
Internet resources dealing with Santeria
- Most of the sites which mention the religion of Santeria are written
by Aleyo (outsiders) and are filled with hatred and misinformation.
Two reliable sources are:
- An unmoderated forum, alt.religion.orisha was started in 1996-FEB
for the discussion of African-based and derived belief systems throughout
the African Diaspora. This includes: Candomble, Fon, Hoodoo,
Macumba Arara, Palo, Santeria, Yoruba Orisha and Voudun (Voodoo). Some of
the expected topics include: recent books, scholarly articles and tapes,
ethnography, information on acquisition and use of herbs in ritual practice,
ritual music, instruments and dance, divination systems, the changing role
of traditional practice in modern times, the law and repression of ritual
practices.
- A quarterly newsletter for beginners in Santeria/Voodoo/African
Traditions is available. Contact bpantry@tiac.net
- Branwen's Pantry, a mail order store specializing in
supplies for Santeria and similar religions is at:
http://www.tiac.net/users/bpantry/
Return to the OCRT home page; return to the
Descriptions of Religions and Ethical Systems page.