ᐈ Shangó 【Who is, History, Characteristics, Children and MORE】

Within the Yoruba religion there are multiple deities. Some have a more important position than others. The deity that will be discussed in this article will be Shango, so if you are interested in knowing who is Shango or receive the maferefun Shango, You should read this article in detail, since you will find the answers to all these questions.

Who is Shango?

Before starting, you must know who Shango is or who was. So that in this way you can have an idea of ​​what she was like and what she represents Shango for Santeria. This deity is represented by a large and corpulent warrior, and is part of the Yoruba religion. In addition, she is one of the most popular figures within the pantheon of the santero cult.

The saint symbolizes strength, heat, dances, thunder and the equanimity of the universe. That is why there is a perception of him as an extremely powerful and strong deity. Since he is capable of instilling devastation and conflict in large towns.

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Characteristics

The characteristics in the Orishas are very important since it allows them to differentiate themselves from others. It also adds certain values ​​and traits of power. In this sense, the characteristics of Shango they are mainly colored. Since it has the tones red, white, black and brown. The most prominent of these, is red. This is because power and strength is reflected in this tonality.

In addition, this color also represents geological formations such as volcanoes. Other natural phenomena are allied with Shango, such as thunder, lightning, and the great and torrential storms of the world. Also, he has control of the sands and compose the stones.

Throughout history he has been represented as a powerful God. Especially in situations where a strong hand or justice are necessary. Always go to the rights and values ​​of people, and for this reason he is usually prayed for protection from an injustice. If we talk about his greatest symbol, we have to mention his ax, which is known in Yoruba as Oxê.

Said tool is constituted by a double edge and made of materials such as wood. However, there are variations in metal, among others. The most important thing about this object is that through its shape, Shangó distributes the legal order within society.

The numbers that characterize Shango, are four (4) six (6) and number twelve (12). So it makes sense that on December 4 of every year his day is celebrated. But I will discuss this topic in depth in the next section.

The foods that distinguishes this Orisha are corn (preferably toasted), bananas and plants such as sugar cane, mamey and squash. These gastronomic elements are ideal to place on your altar sporadically. You can also complement with Ceiba, which is considered sacred to Shango.

Finally, there are elements that represent the deity. Or, they allude to her activities, so they serve to decorate her altar. Some of these are the drum, for the dances; the scimitar; red cups, swords and flags.

Shango day

Shango’s day It is very special for your children. It is also for those devoted to the Yoruba religion. Since she is one of the most revered deities of Santeria. He shares the day with Santa Bárbara, since he syncretizes with her in the Catholic religion. The day in question is the fourth (4) December.

The above date is for your annual day. However, there are also more concurrent dates to venerate this deity. One of these days is Saturday, since according to expert santeros it is the day in which he is most willing to listen to you. Mention is also made of Fridays but to a lesser extent.

If we talk about rituals, the ideal day would be in the middle of the week. That is, on Wednesdays.

They resume the annual day that is dedicated to it, in general, the children and santeros celebrate it in various ways. One of them may be the different dances in their names. However, many other people prefer to offer things that are to their liking, it can be a sacrifice or food.

Offerings to Shango

For all that has already been mentioned, that is, its importance within the santera religion. It is not strange that the offerings to his person are numerous. In addition, they are very varied, they can range from sacrifices or ebbos, to dances and dances.

If it’s about sacrifices, you can offer animals such as roosters and chickens. Which are taken as a symbol of recognition towards his figure. On the other hand, if you are a more peaceful person, and you just want to cook for him. Well, then the best thing to do is offer him his favorite dish.

In this sense, it is the well-known “polenta”. Although it also likes various herbs and plants such as laurel, tomato or sugar cane. In addition, you can complement with the classic red wine, which the famous “warriors” like so much, a group in which Shango is included.

It should be noted that the purpose of each of the offerings varies. That is to say, everything will depend on the intention of the person. Usually the most typical offerings that are made to Shango have to do with love or money. Since this Orisha has the power to solve these problems.

Therefore, these offerings that are the best known and made will be mentioned below. You must bear in mind that the effectiveness of each of them will depend on the devotion that you show to the Orisha. As well as the environment in which they are carried out. Since santeros are urged to perform it in spaces away from noise, preferably on an altar dedicated to Shango. Or failing that, to the group of warriors.

Offerings to Shango for Money

Shango’s offering for monetary matters The main element is to use a red apple, since it is believed that this specific fruit has the ability to attract and collect money. The same ceremony works for bad business or economic problems.

The duration of this offering has a limited period of time, it must be made for seven days and then every month. If possible, it should be done at the beginning or end of the respective months. The way to start the offering is with the opening of a red apple. Subsequently, it must be placed on a kind of bed composed of red rose petals. Inside the block, a red lamp or candle must be introduced, so that Shango consecrates himself in this offering for money.

In the surroundings place at least another six red apples, wealth oil, “come close to me” oil, corn oil and sunflower oil; paper or brown sugar and seven (7) coins of any value. This number in particular is due to the belief that it is lucky and attracts monetary good fortune.

Money (coins preferably) They are placed inside the apple with the other previously mentioned elements, both the oils and the rum or rum liquor. Then you will light the candle and perform your prayers or explain your request to the Orisha Shango, ending with a “May riches flow like the sweet waters of Oshún”.

6 more whole red apples are placed. Oil from the money is used to consecrate the offering.come to me oil, oil sesame oil, brown sugar, rum, sunflower oil and corn oil.

Seven coins of one denomination are also included, this taking into account that the number 7 is the symbol of fortune. The coins are placed inside the hollow apple with all the oils, sugar and rum or brandy. The candle is lit and the request for the economic resource that is going to be requested is made, that the money flows like a river.

Offerings to Shango for Love

Shango’s love offering is closely related to money since, despite having various purposes, its main instrument is a red apple. She also carries items like red candles, red wine, honey, and cinnamon.

However, this Shango offering that will be shown below bears the name “Amalá Ila” and is considered by many devotees as the best ceremony for affection. The preparation of this can be somewhat long, rigorous and complex, so we will show you the steps in a more enjoyable and easy way to follow:

Make yellow cornmeal.Chop the okra.Season with salt.Stir the flour mixture constantly into the boiling water. Important not to let it adhere. When it looks cooked, lower the temperature. Cook over medium-low heat. Do not allow the bottom to char.

This recipe can last an average of ten minutes, it is advisable to use a large spoon to remove easily the mix of ingredients. After serving the last step, garnish the dish with the six (6) okra.

After all this you can start making your prayers to Shango, specifying what you want and why you want love in your life.

Prayer to Shango

Most religions have various saints or deities to whom prayers, offerings, or rituals are dedicated in order to celebrate their presence in your life. In this section you will learn how to pray to Shangowhich can eventually improve your luck, your love life or economic situation.

Prayer in general as a method to connect with a deity is widely used. For Shango, prayers are very important as it allows you to listen directly. In addition, it can observe your true situation. Which will eventually play for or against you depending on the Orisha.

Their prayers have as their main objective to obtain a benefit from the Orisha. From his blessing for a business like trapping the love of your life in your loving nets. For this reason, the two most common prayers will be shown next to one that you can perform almost always.

The general prayer, translated from the Yoruba is as follows:

Oh, great Orisha Shango, you who own the thunder and wars in this world. Take me away from those negative energies, bless me and my relatives always. May fortune be on my side and always be so. Today especially I turn to you to obtain your blessing and that (explain request). I know you won’t fail me, because you never do. Amen”.

Prayer to Changó for Love

If you don’t want a general prayer for Shango. And on the contrary, you specifically want to pray to Shango to ask for his divine intervention from a romantic point of view. You will have to mentalize yourself and recite the following prayer extracted from the Yoruba language:

“Oh, great and powerful Shango, since you now know what my heart longs for the most, I implore you to open the heart of (pronounce the name of the loved person) not to give peace in his life, that he cannot rest, nor eat at a table with complete happiness, until the moment in which he crawls to me asking for my company and affection in his life».

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