Unveiling the Mysteries of Orisha:

A Dive into the Caribbean

Indigenous Religion
By: Moya-Lee Cameron and Samantha
Anderson
Welcome to the Mysteries

Get ready to dive into the

fascinating world of Orisha,
an indigenous religion of
the Caribbean. Join us as we
explore the rich history and
traditions of this religion
 Origin and Spread

Orisha originated in Trinidad, where it was known as

Shango. It was brought to the island by African slaves who
combined their traditional beliefs with Roman Catholicism
and Baptist Protestantism. Dancing, drumming and spirit
worship are aspects which came from Africa and respect for
the saints is an influence of Roman Catholicism Orisha
grew significantly during the indentureship when a new
influx of Africans arrived in Trinidad
 Deity - Olodumare
Orisha believes in one Supreme Being -- Olodumare. He is omnipotent
and is the one who breathes life into creations of Obatala. Followers of
Orisha believe that Olodumare has many smaller gods (orishas -
guardian spirits) who carry out his work. They do not worship him
directly (similarly to Brahman). The god Obatala created the world
and humanity. Shango is the warrior god of thunder, lightning, fire,
drums and dance. The god Oshun rules over the waters of the world
and embodies love and fertility. Ogun is the god of war, energy and
metal.
 Major Teachings
Followers of Orisha believe:

that gods possess the bodies of Orisha followers and can be identified
through the physical effect they have on the body
that ancestors play an important role in life - can bring good or harm
that the dead have a soul, as well as a shadow or spirit
that the gods speak to Orisha followers through dreams, visions and
divination
in the giving of offerings or sacrifices, such as animals and herbs
a spirit must be dismissed or it will disturb the living or be caught and used
by evil practitioners; desirable spirits - murderers, thieves, rascals
 u r c e o f A u t h o rit
S o y
Due to its connections with Roman Catholicism, Orisha
uses the Bible as a source of authority. It provides
followers with direction, strength and answers for life's
questions. However, for specific questions and
difficulties, followers take guidance from divination and
the Odu Ifa. This is a collection of 16 books that are
believed to give advice on all situations, circumstances,
actions and consequences.
 u r c e o f A u t h o rit
S o y
Orisha priests use divination to select passages from the Odu
Ifa that they believe will provide insight and guidance to
individuals in particular circumstances.

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future

or the unknown through supernatural means or through
interpreting signs, symbols, or omens. In reference to Orisha,
they use kola nuts, interpreting dreams, crystal ball, glass of
water, candles and flames.
 Festivals/Observances
. Oshun (Osun) Festival: Celebrates the river goddess Osun, known for her
sensuality and beauty. Offerings are made to Orisha gods and there is
dancing, drumming and singing
. Rain Festival: Marks the beginning of the rain cycle. It is an opportunity for
refreshment, thanksgiving and cultivation -- spiritually and physically.
They thank Shango, the god of thunder, for the rain that brings fertility to
the Earth. Orisha followers remember their responsibilities to the
environment and recall lessons about the land learnt from their ancestors
. Earth Festival: Also called the Oduduwa festival, takes place on March 21. It
is a celebration of the orisha of the earth (Obatala). Also marks the start of
the Yoruba New Year.
 o f W o r s h i p / W or
c e s hi
P la p
Orisha worship takes place in an Orisha leader's yard. In
this yard is a palais. Worship takes place in the palais
and is lively with singing, drumming, chanting and
dancing. Ceremonies, specifically spirit possessions, also
take place in the yard. The yard also has a chapelle. This
is a special shrine room with an altar and pictures of
saints, as well as object of the powers.
 o f W o r s h i p / W or
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There is no set day of worship but they do have services every week. It is
encouraged that worshippers observe personal prayer and sacrifice to their
Orisha.
Before worship begins, homage is paid to their ancestors. During worship they
offer fruits as well as vegetables, grains, seeds, and flowers to the Orishas.
Drumming is important in worship as it induces devotees into a trance which
causes them to be spiritually possessed, gives them the ability to heal and gives
the community members and individuals information.
 o f W o r s h i p / W or
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The place of worship normally includes: a small altar called a trono/shrine called boveda covered in white cloth,
three drums or bata, beaded gourds called shakers, flower arrangements, cigars, egg shell powder, smoked fish
powder, Manteca de corojo, incense, 4 coconut rinds, 21 cowrie shells, small statues of the saints, bells attaches to
coloured ribbons and fixed to a pole, citrus water. The three drums are:

The mother drum - Iya

The middle-sized drum - itolele
The smallest drum - okonkolou

The 2 cigars are burnt by the priest, one for the Orishas and the second for the people who use them as prayers to the
Orishas. However the smoke of the cigar is not inhaled by worshippers as it is considered sacrilegious; a violation.
They wear necklaces of coconut rinds, cowrie shells and straw dedicated to their Orishas. The design of each
necklace varies based on the interest of their Orisha.
 Unveiling the Mysteries of Orisha

certificate
of completion
presented to: All of you!