Regla de Ocha
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Regla de Ocha(the tule of the Orisha), is commonly known to the public by the name Santeria(the way of the Saints. This is a syncretistic religion of Carribbean origin. It incoporates the worship of the Orisha and beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people ion Soutern Nigeria, Senegal, and Guinea Coast. The origins of the religion date back to the slave trade when Yoruba natives were forcibly transported from Africa to the Caribbean. they were typically baptized into 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 each orisha of their traditional religions with a corresponding Christian Saint. Examples include that Babalz Ayi became St. Lazarus(patron of the sick, Shangs became St. Barbara(controls thunder, lightning, fire), Eleggua or Elegba became Saint Anthony (controls roads and gates, etc.), Obatala became Our Lady of Las Mercedes and the resurrected Christ (father of creation; source of spirituality), Oggzn became Saint Peter (Patron of War). Oshzn became Our Lady of Charity (controls money, sensuality). The religion is currently concentrated in Cuba and other carribbean islands, and among Hispanics in Florida, New York City and Los Angeles. The religion is rapidly growing. The followers of this movement refer to God as Olorun, 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 sacricies of animals(especially chickens) is a common practice. Their sacrifice is believed to please the saints, and to bring good luck, purification and forgiveness of sins. 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. Ones ancestors, called Ara Orun (People of heaven) are referred to for moral guidance and example. Their names are recited at family ceremonies. Santeria is an unorganized religion. Rituasl typically begins with the invocation of Olorun. Drums procide background African rhythms. The Oru or rhythm changes to that associated with a specifice Orisha, who is then invoked as well. Priests within the religion are called Santeros or Babarochas. priestesses are called Santerias or lyalochas. Olorisha can refer ti a preist or pristess. They are trained for many eyars in the oral tradition. This is followed by a period of solitude before initiation as they learn dance, songs, and healing methods. Boatnaicas are stores that specialize in sproviding Santerian supplies. They sell charms, herbs, potions, musical instruments, and various other materials used by followers.
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