Santeria is a syncretistic religion of Caribbean origin. It incorporates the worship of the Orisha (literally "head guardian") and beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people in Southern Nigeria, Senegal and Guinea Coast. These are combined with elements of worship from Roman Catholicism.
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 each Orisha of their traditional religions with a corresponding Christian Saint. Many traditions within the religion recognize different equivalencies. One common example includes:
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...)
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Location and numbers of followers of Santeria:
Santeria is currently concentrated in:
Cuba and other Caribbean islands.
The Hispanic population in Florida, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York City and Los Angeles.
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela.
France, and the Netherlands.
It had been actively suppressed in Cuba since the communist revolution - particularly during the 1960's. However, oppression has now largely ended, and the popularity and practice of Santeria exploded in Cuba during the 1990's.
Estimates of the number of followers of Santeria in North America have covered a wide range: According to Adherents.com, various sources have predicted: Florida: 60,000
U.S.: 800,000
North America: 500,000 14
J.E. Holloway, the author of "Africanisms in America" estimates: New York City: 300,000 15
Egbe Lukumi estimates: U.S.: over 5 million. 16
The "American Religious Identification Survey, (ARIS)" by The Graduate Center of the City University of New York computes: U.S.: 22,000
We suspect that the ARIS survey is reasonably accurate. It involved telephone interviews of over 50,000 individuals. Apparently only five of them responded that their religion is Santeria. An unknown number of Santerians probably refused to answer the question. If we assume that three refused to answer, then one might estimate that there are a total of 35,000 Santerians in the U.S.
Santerian Beliefs:
Many Santerian beliefs are not freely discussed outside of the faith. In addition there are many religious leaders whose beliefs and practices differ significantly. The following is a general outline of what is known:
Deities: God is referred to as Olorun, or Olódùmarè, the "owner of heaven". He is the supreme deity, the creator of the universe, and of the lesser guardians, called Orisha. Each of the latter has an associated Christian Saint, a principle, important number, color, 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 Saints, and to bring good luck, purification and forgiveness of sins.
Possession: 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.
Ten un espíritu crítico sobre esto:
Un saludo.
2006-09-09 13:45:10
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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