Orishas Cuba Courses

Orishas are spirits or deities in the religion practised in Cuba known as Santería. This set of deities is derived from African beliefs and deities practiced on the continent among the slaves who were taken to Cuba. Santería is a syncretic religion, which combines Yoruba beliefs, Catholicism, and Traditional Indigenous Caribbean beliefs. Practitioners of Santería believe in a single Supreme Creator and 16 subordinate deities, known as the Orishas, that manage various aspects of human life and the environment. Each Orisha has a different area of spiritual responsibility, from thunder and bloodshed to love, fertility, and joy. Different regions and communities pay reverence to different Orishas, and individual practitioners will often identify with one particular Orisha for guidance and protection. Orishas are also typically associated with corresponding saints from the Catholic tradition. Similarly, syncretic rituals involve both Christian and African influences. There are seven major Orishas in the Cuban tradition, including Olorun, the ultimate God force; Elegba, the messenger; Changó, the warrior and Orisha of thunder and lightning; Yemaya, the Orisha of the sea; Obatala, Orisha of wisdom and creativity; Oshun, the Orisha of love and fertility; and Ogun, the Orisha of war and blacksmithing. In Cuba, practitioners of Santería have faced centuries of discrimination and oppression due to their faith. Despite this, Orishas remain a powerful force and are honored in various ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. Orishas play integral roles in Cuban culture and folklore. Similar Orishas can be found in other parts of the Caribbean, West Africa, and Central and South America.