Cuba - Religion - Santeria syncretic Afro Cuban religion

Animal sacrifice is an integral part of the rituals. Santeros believe that blood is necessary to release the negative energy and spirits of those involved. The participants of a Santeria ceremony are blessed with the animal before it is sacrificed. Santeria is a syncretic religion practiced in Cuba, it is a mixture of Yoruba tribal practices brought from Nigeria during Colonial times, and traditional Catholic beliefs. During this time, the slaves used the images of saints to cover up their worship of the Orishas (spirits).

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Copyright: Phil Clarke Hill
Image Size: 2000x3000 / 500.6KB; Cuban Santeria syncretic religion hybrid Afro-Cuban African heritage Yoruba Catholic Catholcism worship religion sacrifice colour color dedication initiation Orisha oral tradition slave slavery forced migration cowry shells ceremony Cabildo tradition informal economy Babalawo Santero Santera Nigeria tribe tribal goat chicken herbs shrine
Contained in galleries: Phil Clarke Hill - All pics

Animal sacrifice is an integral part of the rituals. Santeros believe that blood is necessary to release the negative energy and spirits of those involved. The participants of a Santeria ceremony are blessed with the animal before it is sacrificed. Santeria is a syncretic religion practiced in Cuba, it is a mixture of Yoruba tribal practices brought from Nigeria during Colonial times, and traditional Catholic beliefs. During this time, the slaves used the images of saints to cover up their worship of the Orishas (spirits).