Some religious practices can be very surprising because they link aspects from different beliefs which may appear incompatible at first glance. In the case of Santeria, the connection between native deities from Afro-Cuban folklore and Christianity have created one of the spiciest mixtures you can imagine in a religion.
The mysterious practice called Santeria is a polytheistic Afro-Cuban religion full of many mysterious elements, making it an oft-misunderstood practice. This religion mixing many cultures remains popular in Cuba and carries some confusing luggage of symbolism and deities. The practices of Santeria's followers are somewhat hypnotizing and often confuse Christians about its real roots.
The Historical Background of Santeria
Santeria followers generally prefer to call it ‘Regla de Ocha’ or the ‘Lucumí’ religion. The beginnings of this belief system may be dated to the first decades of the discovery of the “New Land”. When the Yoruba people from southwestern Nigeria were enslaved and transported to Cuba they brought their religion along with them. This area was also Christianized and the mixture of beliefs that met in the Caribbean landscape became one of the most fascinating religions created in the last millennia.
The first known reference to Santeria comes from 1515, when the ambitions and financial needs of colonialists had changed the Americas. The name of the religion comes from the name the Yoruba people received in Cuba. The natives called them Lucumi. Researchers believe that the residents of Cuba thought that the black people who came to their island belonged to the Ulkumi tribe. Another possible explanation for this name relates to the language they used – the slaves called each other Olku Mi, meaning ''my friend''.
Santeria includes the cult of Orisha, meaning the ''head guardians''. It is a belief system based on the religions of all the previously mentioned cultures. The followers of Santeria are polytheists, they follow several deities whose identity is a mixture of African beliefs with Christian saints. For example, Babalz Ayi became St. Lazarus (patron of the sick), Shangs became St. Barbara (controller of thunder, lightning, fire), Eleggua or Elegba became St. Anthony (controlling roads, gates, etc.), Obatala became Our Lady of Las Mercedes and the Resurrected Christ (father of creation; source of spirituality), and Oggzn became St. Peter (patron of war).
Detailed information about the beliefs, rituals, and symbols of Santeria are limited for outsiders. However, it is known that the priests are called Babalochas or Santerios. There are also priestesses called Lyalochas or Santerias. Obviously, initiates into the faith receive more specific knowledge. However, Santeria is not based on any book. It reminds one more of Aboriginal religions based on centuries of oral traditions and the repetition of practices.
What took place in the 16th century on Cuba is an interesting phenomenon. Although Christianity was very aggressive about gaining new followers, they weren't entirely successful.
Is Santeria Witchcraft?
Many people who lack information on Santeria believe it to be a form of witchcraft. The followers of this belief join in mysterious rituals, which are often misunderstood and demonized by people who have no knowledge about them.
Detailed information about the beliefs, rituals, and symbols of Santeria are limited for outsiders. However, it is known that the priests are called Babalochas or Santerios. There are also priestesses called Lyalochas or Santerias. Obviously, initiates into the faith receive more specific knowledge. However, Santeria is not based on any book. It reminds one more of Aboriginal religions based on centuries of oral traditions and the repetition of practices.
What took place in the 16th century on Cuba is an interesting phenomenon. Although Christianity was very aggressive about gaining new followers, they weren't entirely successful.
Santeria Spreads
This religion that was created out of slavery, cruelty, and the unexpected mixing of different cultures and nations has about 75 – 100 million followers these days. Interestingly, Santeria is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States. Moreover, up to 80% of the Cuban population claims to have some connection to Santeria. The religion that has grown from the tears of slaves now conquers the hearts of new followers.
References:
Religious freedom won't be sacrificed, available at:
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/11/nation/na-santeria11
“Santería,” The Lucumi Way, available at:
http://pluralism.org/religions/afro-caribbean/afro-caribbean-traditions/santeria-the-lucumi-way/
Santeria, A syncretistic Caribbean religion. Beliefs and practices, available at:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/santeri3.htm
Santeria, available at:
http://www.aboutsanteria.com/what-is-santeria.html
Santeria, Not Witchcraft by Michael Perez, available at:
https://www.academia.edu/6823420/Santeria_Not_Witchcraft
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