SAN LAZARO SAINT SKIN

The grains represents the human body, nourishment while the onion is known to repel and extract odors and illness related energies from the environment.īefore the ritual begins one must first acknowledge the road opener, Legba who is his confidant and opener of the ways. A purple onion is placed on the middle of the grains. Primarily black eyed peas or black beans, although any color or type of grain can be provided. His principal offerings are dried grains & roasted corn. If you’re unable to locate, a wooden bowl will also do. This can also be used to hold water as an offering to any Orisha. Traditionally, offerings of grains for Babalu Aye are placed in a Jicara (dried Guira/Calabash fruit that has been halved) as a vessel for his offerings of grains. This is also ideal for healers or care takers to further enhance their powers and gain favor of this deity when working with others through their healing process.Īll offerings are preferably placed on sack cloth or burlap you can purchase at most craft stores or visit your local market where most vegetables like sweet potatoes, etc are transported in sack cloth. Below I will show you a few basic and optional items you can offer Babalu to help you get through any health difficulties. If you or anyone you know is suffering with any health issues you can call upon Babalu Aye for assistance. Offerings and Altar set up for Babalu Aye He also teaches lessons to those who may have little regard for their health as the body is your sacred temple and at times we do not realize what we have until its too late.

He releases pain and suffering for those battling diseases, especially terminal diseases and ensures a smooth transition into death. He also reminds us to be giving to those less fortunate and reminds us the value to health over material gains. This sack cloth is also known as a cilice.įollowers of Babalu Aye affirm many feats of miracles and lessons through suffering. It is also a symbol for repentance and suffering to the wearer. Traditionally Babalu Aye is depicted as wearing sack cloth which is to symbolize discomfort and pain to the person wearing it, which irritates the skin. This is to show their adoration, gratitude or repentance to him in return for his blessings & answering prayers by curing/saving them of illnesses and granting miracles. In Cuba, some make the journey for many miles on their knees, while others add blocks and chains to their ankles making the journey a lot more difficult. These offering are not limited to things and foods, but also self sacrifice physically during pilgrimages. Santería: The Religion, Faith, Rites, Magicīabalu Aye has a major impact on his devotees in the sense that many people provide all kinds of offerings to him. There are a number of mythologies as to how Babalu Aye became associated with diseases, pandemics and the likes. He is also accompanied by 1 or 2 dogs, as we may know dogs are very intuitive and are able to smell diseases from distances.

SAN LAZARO SAINT SKIN

He is personified in many aspects most notably his hunch back form and his use of crutches, as well as skin ailments such as sores and leprosy. In Nigeria he is known as Obaluaye, in other parts as Omolu, Sonponno & San Lazaro ( Saint Lazarus) in his syncretized version throughout Latin America. He goes by many names depending on the region he is honored around the world. In the bible, Saint Lazarus is known as the man Jesus raised from the dead or the rich man vs. His way of paying homage to the Orisha and the original Cuban composer of the song. If you’re an “I love Lucy” fan you may have heard of “Babalu” in Ricky Ricardo’s (played by Desi Arnaz) song on the show. Babalu Aye, translated father of the world, is the Orisha in the Yoruba/Lucumi tradition as the Orisha that oversees diseases, illnesses and healing.

San lazaro saint