Most often one of the first initiations that an aleyo (non-initiate) receives is the receiving of the elekes, or collares as they are called in Spanish. These are the sacred beaded necklaces that represent the different Orishas. They cannot just be bought in a Botanica and worn. They must be prepared. They are prepared by wasing them in the sacred Omiero of Osain with the Orishas that correspond to each of them. Then they are fed their corresponding animals with each of the Orishas. Then they are ready to be placed on a person. Without having passed through these ceremonies, they do not have any ache. Ache is the power of the Orishas, it is the lifeforce that flows through them and their priests and priestesses. It is the Ache that gives the protection that the elekes bring to the wearer. Sometimes one hears of people giving "spiritual collares", that have not been washed and fed with the Orishas. These might have their spiritual value, but they do not the Ache. Also, the only ones authorized to place elekes on an individual are santeros and santeras. This is because this involves a ceremony that is performed in front of the Orishas so that they know and recognize what is happening. The actual ceremony involves three different steps. Since this a secret ritual known only to the initiated, we cannot divulge details of the ceremony.

Why does one go through this ceremony? There are several reasons. It is many times the first step for one entering into the Religion. When you receive the elekes, the Orishas recognize you as a child of theirs. It brings a certain amount of protection from evil and the negativities of daily life. Many do not realize the the putting on of elekes is in reality a "medio-asiento". That is to say, the putting on of elekes is half-way to making the Saint. The is because sometimes a person has to make the saint for health or other reasons, and they don't have the financial means to do so. By putting on the elekes, the Orishas are placated somewhat in their demands that their child become a priest or priestess, until the person is able to resolve whatever problem that is preventing them from being fully initiated.

The elekes should be treated with respect once you have received them. You should not wear them to bars and nightclubs, and of course, when you are engaging in sexual activities. They also should not be worn during sleep as a general rule, because they will break during the unconscious movements of the body during the night. Likewise they should not be worn in showers or while bathing in the ocean or river, as water will cause the string that has absorbed the ache to break.

Many times an eleke will spontaneously break. Do not be alarmed when this happens, as usually the Orisha represented by the necklace is taking something negative off the person. Of course, you should inform your padrino or madrina, so that an investigation as to the why and wherefores of this action can be determined. Most often the necklace is then replaced with another.