State of Protest

When West African slaves were forcibly transported to the Caribbean and Central and South America to work the sugar plantations beginning in the 16^th century, they brought with them many religious traditions.  Despite being forced to convert to Christianity by their Roman Catholic masters, they were able to preserve many of their ancestral and traditional beliefs by fusing them with elements of Christian culture.  This religious tradition, specifically those beliefs and practices derived from the Lukumi religion of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, has evolved into what is now known as Santería (or, “the Way of the Saints”).¹  Santería was originally a derisive term the Spanish used to mock the African slaves’ apparent over-devotion to the Catholic saints.  Yet, what they perceived as devotion to the saints was actually a devotion to their own sacred orishas, spiritual beings who represent the forces of nature and are considered to be manifestations of the creator.  The Lukumi people disguised their orishas as Catholic saints in order to avoid persecution.²

One has to be initiated into Santería before information about it is freely released.  However, we do know some things about their beliefs, rituals, and practices.  They believe in a supreme deity and creator of the universe, whom they refer to as Olofi, Olorun, or Olódùmarè (owner of heaven).³  They hold no specific belief in a devil.  Rather than viewing the universe in terms of good and evil, they see all things as having positive aspects (Iré) and negative aspects (Ibi).  Good character (Iwapele) is defined as doing what is right simply because it is right, rather than out of fear of retribution or hope of reward.

All ceremonies and rituals of the Lukumi tradition begin by paying homage to one’s ancestors, called Ara Orun (People of Heaven).  The Ara Orun are held in high esteem and are referred to for moral guidance.  Animal sacrifice is a common practice during rituals, and this has caused some controversy among animal rights activists.  Chickens are the most common sacrifice, and followers of Santería claim their priests and priestesses are trained to perform these ritual sacrifices in safe and humane ways.  Only the blood of the chickens is offered to the orishas, while the meat is cooked and consumed by the community.  These sacrifices are believed to bring good luck, purification and forgiveness of sins.  Trees are also offered to the orishas.  Another controversial ritual involves sprinkling elemental mercury around the home, which vaporizes and can expose those who reside in the household.⁴

The hierarchical structure of Santería is arranged according to priesthood level and authority.  The priests and priestesses who govern the Orisha temples are known as Babalorishas (fathers of Orisha) and Iyalorishas (mothers of Orisha).  They are also referred to as Santeros(as) and represent the second level in the hierarchical structure.  The top level is reserved for priests of Ifa, who are considered to be Orishas of prophecy, wisdom, and all knowledge.  Ifa priests are given titles such as Babalawo (father who knows the secrets) and Iyanifa (mother of destiny).  Initiates must train for several years in the oral traditions of the faith and undergo a period of solitude in order to become Santeros(as). They are taught the traditional drum music, songs and dances of their ancestors, which are considered forms of prayer to the orishas.  This music is said to induce trance-like states in the initiated Santeros(as), allowing them to channel the orishas, heal the sick, and transmit information to the community.

The practice of Santería in Cuba was actively suppressed in the 1960s during the communist revolution, but its popularity exploded in the 1990s.  Most of today’s Cuban followers of Santería also consider themselves to be Catholics.  They often hold separate rituals to honor the saints and the orishas, even though the disguise of Catholicism is no longer needed.  Adherents are currently concentrated in Cuba and other Caribbean islands, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, France, the Netherlands, and the Hispanic populations of Florida, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York City and Los Angeles.  There are now Santerían stores in many of these areas, called Botanicas, which sell charms, herbs, potions, musical instruments, and other supplies used in the practice of Santería.  Estimates as to the number of adherents varies widely.⁵

1. http://www.santeriareligion101.com/ [↩]
2. Ernesto Pichardo, Santería in Contemporary Cuba: The individual life and condition of the priesthood [↩]
3. http://www.religioustolerance.org/santeri3.htm [↩]
4. Technical Report: Mercury in the Environment: Implications for Pediatricians [↩]
5. http://www.religioustolerance.org/santeri2.htm [↩]