Orishas are gods worshipped by many African beliefs, being linked to family and clans. In Brazil, the following orishas are worshipped: Exú, Ogun, Omulu, Xapanã or Abaluaiê, Xangô, Yasan, Oxossi, Nanan, Yemanjá, Oxum, Oxunmarê, Ossain and Oxalá.
The orishas hold axes linked to nature. The word axe has an extraordinary scope and among its many meanings are life, power, and energy. Axe is metaphysics. In African religions, the axe of the orisha defines its power.
In the African religious system, the orishas represent the strength of the group, of the family. They have a social character and the function of protecting and surviving the group. To implement the axé of the orisha in the family, fetishism appears – concretization of a being, adoration or worship of an object.
In African religions, the fetish is the bond between the orisha and men. The orishas have their color, their metal or an element of nature that represents their character.
Exu
African legends brought by the Yoruba people portray Exú as a mischievous little devil, and in Catholic syncretism, this orisha was associated with the devil. He is the one who leads man down the wrong path, causes wars and disputes. He is also responsible for chaos and disunity.
During the period of slavery, however, Exú was invoked to punish white masters. He is depicted with an iron trident, an immense phallus and horns, like the Christian devil.
Ogun
Ogun is the orisha of war. He is symbolized by a curved shaft, like a sword. He was syncretized in Bahia with Saint Anthony and in Rio de Janeiro, with Saint George. In Africa, he is the orisha of hunters. Ogun’s metal is iron.
Omulu, Xapanã or Abaluaiê
He is the orisha who dominates the Earth, the Sun and epidemics. He is the orisha of health, protector of the crippled. His foods are goat, rooster and pig.
Xango
He is the orisha of thunder and storms. His metal is copper and his powers are lightning and fire. He is considered a violent warrior.
Yansan
Yansan is a female orisha. She presides over the winds, storms, and dominates lightning and spirits. She is symbolized with buffalo horns and her weapon is the dagger. She is syncretized with Saint Barbara.
Oxossi
He is the orisha who presides over hunting, being the protector of hunters. He is the son of Yemanjá, along with Ogun and Exú. Oxossi’s metal is bronze and his tools are the bow and arrow.
Nanan
She is the oldest female orisha. Syncretism is done with Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. She is the orisha who presides over deep waters, dark swamps and fog.
Yemanja
Yemanjá is considered the mother of all the orishas. Yemanjá’s axé is in sea stones, seashells and blue porcelain vases. Her metal is silver.
There is syncretism with Nordic legends that associate her with the mermaid. In Catholicism, syncretism occurs with Our Lady of Conception and, in Bahia, with Our Lady of Candeias.
She is considered the mother of waters and is honored with gifts and ornaments. The Yemanjá festival takes place on December 31st, and in places like Rio de Janeiro it attracts crowds.
Oxum
Oxum is the female orisha of the waters, representing sexuality and vanity. Her metals are copper in Africa and golden brass in Brazil. Her social representation is love. Syncretism in Catholicism occurs with Our Lady of Candeias and Our Lady of Aparecida.
Oxunmarê
He is the orisha of the rainbow, responsible for the days, the years, and the succession of everything that occurs in nature. He represents continuity. Syncretism is done with Saint Bartholomew.
Ossain
Ossain is the orisha of the woods, owner of leaves and herbs and lives in the forest. He is confused with the indigenous legend of Caipora, who has only one leg. He is the orisha of medicine.
I hope
Oxalá is the orisha of creation, responsible for everything that grows. His color is white and his metal is aluminum. He is syncretized with the young Jesus Christ, and in Candomblé he is a bold warrior.
Religious syncretism
When the many African religions were grouped into what became known in Brazil as Candomblé, the social character of protection for the group served by the orishas was compromised. As members of the most diverse religions came to the country, the orishas were also different.
It was not uncommon for enemy warriors to perform common activities in order to impose slavery, damaging the social nature of the belief.
Many African nations worshiped their own orishas and, depending on their activity, many had different names, although they were identical. This is the case, for example, with Nangô, also called Lembá, or Exú, also known as Legbá or Bombogira.
To improve your knowledge, be sure to consult the texts below.