Mythology: Santeria And Orishas
I believe that religion could be viewed as mythology, because it basically overlaps each other. Religion is well known for ones beliefs and values, which members believe that can guide ones life. The mythological perspective, it includes theology, ritual, mortality and spiritual experience. Take for example I am a Baptized Catholic who also practice Santeria as both of my religion. Santeria an Afro-Caribbean religion also known as the way of Saints, was brought over to Cuba by salves. Both Catholicism and Cubans often practice both religious syncretisms.
Santeria is considered African, from all aspects including the practices, songs, rituals, and prayers. The Regla de Ocha has been passed down from generation to generation from its early ancestors “the Yorubas of West Africa”. The Yoruba were considered many tribes that brought religious practice of Orisha (Saint) of West Africa. Since each tribe had their own Orisha (Saint), in order to continue and practice the religion the slaves each gave their patronage saint to each other. When Cuba was able to practice Catholicism this is how so many involved in Ocha was able to connect their Orishas with Catholic names. Orishas have five main principals, which are …show more content…
Chango is the patron saint of lighting in the Catholic religion. He is also sometimes associated with these saints: St. Mark, St. Jerome, St. Elijah, St. Expeditus, and St. Bartholomew. Eleggua is the most powerful Orisha known after Obatala. He is a messenger, a trickster, a warrior and an opener of doorways, allowing for new experiences. Eleggua particularly loves children and often disguises himself as one. This has led to him being associated with Anthony of Padua (commonly depicted carrying a young Jesus), the Holy Child of Atocha (Jesus in the disguise of a child who fed starving Christians in Spain), and Benito, the Holy Infant of
Santeria is considered African, from all aspects including the practices, songs, rituals, and prayers. The Regla de Ocha has been passed down from generation to generation from its early ancestors “the Yorubas of West Africa”. The Yoruba were considered many tribes that brought religious practice of Orisha (Saint) of West Africa. Since each tribe had their own Orisha (Saint), in order to continue and practice the religion the slaves each gave their patronage saint to each other. When Cuba was able to practice Catholicism this is how so many involved in Ocha was able to connect their Orishas with Catholic names. Orishas have five main principals, which are …show more content…
Chango is the patron saint of lighting in the Catholic religion. He is also sometimes associated with these saints: St. Mark, St. Jerome, St. Elijah, St. Expeditus, and St. Bartholomew. Eleggua is the most powerful Orisha known after Obatala. He is a messenger, a trickster, a warrior and an opener of doorways, allowing for new experiences. Eleggua particularly loves children and often disguises himself as one. This has led to him being associated with Anthony of Padua (commonly depicted carrying a young Jesus), the Holy Child of Atocha (Jesus in the disguise of a child who fed starving Christians in Spain), and Benito, the Holy Infant of