Concept in Definition ABC

The term Santeria has two meanings. On the one hand, it refers to the convergence of religious beliefs, specifically the Catholicism and religious beliefs of African origin. In this sense, this fusion between two religious currents is a form of syncretism, that is, a fusion between two religious approaches.

In a second sense, the concept of Santeria is related to those excessive behavior on the part of believers, who express their religious devotion in an excessive and even hypocritical way. Do not forget that in Spanish Santeria is synonymous with piousness, hypocrisy or prudence.

The Yoruba ethnic group has lived in West Africa for centuries

This community remained divided into kingdoms, but over time wars and confrontations occurred. This situation caused its weakening cultural. Beginning in the 19th century, the Yoruba were enslaved by the Europeans. Thus, between 1820 and 1840 the majority of slaves who arrived in Cuba came from the ethnicity Yoruba. Already in Cuban lands they were called "lucumi", a word that in the

language Yoruba means "my friend".

The Spaniards who dominated the territory Cubans did not allow the Yoruba to continue with their animistic rites. Faced with this prohibition, they decided to hide their beliefs with a subtle deception: they pretended that they worshiped Catholic saints but in reality they were worshiping their own deities. This is precisely where the name of Santeria comes from and the syncretism of this religious current.

Beliefs and rites of Santeria

The santeros adore a force central and creative called Olodumare. It could be said that this deity is equivalent to the Judeo-Christian god. On the other hand, Olodumare is incarnated on Earth through Ashe, just as Jesus Christ did with God.

Santeros believe in destiny and that events are determined before birth. This is because we are born after the reincarnation of another person who has not been able to satisfy the punishment sent by the orishas or deities. These deities are analogous to the Catholic saints (for example, Ogún refers to San Pedro and Inle to San Rafael).

Among the rituals of Cuban Santeria, baths to ward off spells, rites to get money, songs to avoid accidents or baths Water coconut to attract good luck. Most of all of them are performed with a musical setting accompanied by dances.

Photos: Fotolia - Lazyllama

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