Candomblé symbols that are present in our daily lives

One of the main tourist attractions in Salvador, Bahia, is the Dique do Tororó. The main attraction of this region are the gigantic images of orixás placed in the place about 10 years ago. Those who are enchanted by the waters and the sculptures of the Dique do not realize that, in all corners of Brazil, there are Candomblé symbols. So stay tuned and know how to identify what these attributes are from now on.

Bead threads as symbols of Candomblé

Surely you’ve seen someone on the street wearing long beaded necklaces. Know that you are close to one of the millions of Brazilian Candomblé fans. Called “bead threads”, these necklaces identify and protect the faithful of each orixá.

To be entitled to use one of these threads that are symbols of Candomblé, adepts must undergo an initiation ritual in the terreiros. So, the next time you find someone wearing one of these beautiful necklaces, remember that this is not an ornamental piece, but an axé brand and source. They can be made from beads, crystals, cowrie shells, corals, silver, bronze or gold.

Gastronomy and the symbols of Candomblé

Around Dique do Tororó, in Salvador, there are usually some baianas selling typical local foods. Everyone knows that Bahian women are symbols, of course, of Bahia. But what few people know is that Bahian foods are loaded with symbolism.

The baianas (called, in Bahia, “baiana de acarajé”) sell food that, in the terreiros, is offered to the orixás. Iansã, Exu, Oyá, Xangô and Obá love to eat acarajé. Another delicacy that cannot be missed on the trays of Bahian women – and in Candomblé terreiros – is abará. It is an acarajé that, instead of being fried, is cooked wrapped in banana leaves.

So, when tasting one of these delights, be sure to ask the orixás for permission. After all, the food was originally made for them, becoming one of the famous symbols of Candomblé.

Initiation as symbols of Candomblé

Not all Candomblé symbols are in plain sight. Some are accessible only to practitioners of the religion. This is the case, for example, of initiation ceremonies.

The rituals vary according to each nation and each Candomblé house, but they all have some common practices. The initiate – one who is just starting out in religion – has a shaved head, under candlelight. The process is accompanied by few people, who sing ritualistic ancestral songs.

At the end of the internal initiation procedure, the public ceremonies begin. The initiate is obliged to wear a sacred necklace around the neck for at least twelve weeks. During this period, he should avoid pleasures considered mundane, such as drinking alcohol or having sex.

Parties that are symbols of Candomblé

Finally, a well-known symbol of Candomblé are the parties, which are also quite present in the streets of Salvador, especially in the summer.

One of the best known Candomblé festivals in Brazil is the Festa de Iemanjá, which is held every year on February 2nd. About 50,000 people fill the Rio Vermelho beach, in the capital of Bahia, taking gifts for the queen of the sea.

The great popular festivals of Candomblé, despite being strongly marked by events unrelated to religion, aim to unite the orixás with their human children.

As you now know what the symbols of Candomblé are, check out the following texts that may seem interesting: