Santería

“There is no life without death, no good without evil, no love without hate, and no infirmity without health.” Throughout history, many people have heard references of the Yoruba religion Santeria, thanks to popular culture. There have been many artists that have created records dedicated to the African diasporic religion, for example Ricky Ricardo’s very own “Babalu Aye” and Sublimes “Santeria”. Santeria a religion of peace, nature, and respect to the orishas. It is not only a religion but a way of life, and a culture for many people that practice it. According to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, “Santeria is a religion originating in West Africa, it was developed by Yoruba slaves in Cuba, and practiced by an estimated…

In the eyes of strangers to the religion, Santeria may only resemble Voodoo rituals, with no eternal purpose for the Santeros. So what exactly is the perennial goal for Santeros? And how is that goal reached? The purpose of Santeria is to obtain three levels. Each level requires a separate ceremony be performed and results in different degrees of protection, power, and knowledge. Completion requires reaching all three levels, but a participant can stop at any one. The steps or roles are: 1.…

Santeria is a religion originating out of Cuba from the sixteenth century, and incorporates elements of African religion, Roman Catholicism and French Spiritism. It is an important religious influence in Cuba whose beliefs and practices have integrated into many cultures including, but not limited to, the United States. The worship of the saints, or Santeria, has a relatively new history, coming into existence by help of the slave trade and innovating thinking of the people held captive. The…

I. Origin and History Santería is an Afro-Caribbean syncretic religion that originated in the Yoruba tribe of West Africa. The development of Santería is the result of the African Diaspora. The Yoruba tribe was brought to Cuba because of the slave trade in approximately the 16th century. Enslaved Africans in the Caribbean mixed their Yoruba beliefs with the Roman Catholic beliefs of the Spanish. Although on the surface they were forced by their masters to convert to Catholicism, many still…

Growing up Catholic I witnessed plenty of curious practices that I have always questioned throughout my life. Worshiping of saints, the day of the dead and sobanderos, also known as holy healers. A perfect example of unique rituals within the Latin Catholic Church beliefs would have to be the worship of Saints, also known as Santeria. Santeria is described as the idolizing of saints, only it is a Complicated topic since many people consider Santeria to be related to Pagan practices and without a…

One must pass through 3 different levels of initiation before one can be called a Santero or a priest in the religion. To many it is a cult of animal sacrificing and devil worshipping, as my dad explained to me this is what he would do. Generally in Santeria, wearing white signifies a special state. Either that possession is expected, the person has been specially cleansed or blessed, or that they were recently initiated. Growing up, my dad went from normal to uncanny. Having him at school…

Intercultural Experience Fieldwork Report: Santeria in the Cuban Culture The topic I chose to study and write my research paper about is the Santeria religion, specifically Cuban immigrants in Miami as well as some first generation Americans who are descendants of native Cubans. My goal was to learn more about the secretive religion that many people seem to automatically fear and hate and provide evidence that the religion is in fact a peaceful one that aims to improve humans to become the best…

Religions Judaism, Santeria, and Scientology are three religions that originated in different parts of the world, at different times, and with a variety of similarities and differences. These religions all vary in their origins and beliefs. Judaism is one of the oldest religions, founded over 3,500 years ago in the Middle East. Santeria originated in Cuba out of slave trade, and Scientology is the most modern religion, founded in 1954 by a man named Ronald Hubbard in the United States. These…

Loriga Professor Theology 9 October 2015 Not religiously different after all In a world with many different countries, ethnicities, and cultures comes a variety of religious groups, such as Hinduism, Santeria, and Scientology. Religion is a sort of belief that people acquire from either a family tradition or personal beliefs. Religion tries to generate an explanation for many things, for example, why the earth was created and what purpose does human life have. Many people argue that their…

Vega gives a first hand account of the African derived religion, Santería, and how it manifests itself into the lives of it 's believers. Vega allows readers to join in on her journey as she unfolds her family 's religion of Santería. Without restrictions, Vega paints a vivid picture of how Santería has affected her life as well as the lives of people very close to her. As readers, Vega gives us slight preparation before allowing us to follow her on one of the most joyous, yet informative rides…