Good Friday in Candomblé | Rituals, events and beliefs

THE Good friday it is a very important date for Catholics, in which the faithful remember all the steps that Jesus Christ took during his ordeal.

But what is Holy Friday like in Candomblé? Do they believe in the Dead Lord? Do they fast and stop eating red meat?

In this article, we will show you some of the beliefs and rituals of this religion.

Good Friday in Candomblé

Friday is already a special day for Candomblé, as it is dedicated to I hopeOrisha directly linked to the creation of the world and entitled father of all deities.

Good Friday is even more special for the People of Santo, who faithfully keep the precepts that surround this day, even with the awareness that in fact Catholic syncretism was a strategy of resistance, bequeathed us a cultural and historical heritage. This is because Candomblé adopts a peaceful posture and respect for all religions, beliefs and doctrines.

But generally speaking, Good Friday as we know it is a Christian date that remembers the suffering of Jesus Christ. For Candomblé, this day continues to be consecrated to Oxalá.

Good Friday events in Candomblé

On Friday, at 6 am, Candomblé goers fast and share their obi and lissá, thanking them for the return of the Orixás warriors who fight for good.

The obi is an indispensable fruit in candomblé rituals, also known as Cola Nut, its scientific name is Cola acuminata. Mainly used in the ritual of Ori, Ebori and saint-making.

Lissá or Segbo-Lisa in Benin, alongside Mawu, is the vodun of Creation, father and ancestor of all other voduns.

They set a beautiful table for the lord of peace and white, pay what they call Kurran (a prayer) and praise this great father. For Candomblecistas, every Friday is holy.

In some “roças de santo” some Catholic habits are practiced. They arrive at Ilê Axé (Candomblé terreiro) on Thursday night, wake up on Friday fasting, pray, ask for a blessing, eat fish and hominy.

On Good Friday in Candomblé, at 6 pm, everyone prays in Yoruba and humbly thanks for being alive. It is a fascinating syncretism and a lot of faith.

Do Candomblecists eat meat on Good Friday?

Each house has its ritual. In some families, they do not eat red meat on any Friday of the year, since for them all Fridays are holy.

Candomblé Rituals for Good Friday

In Candomblés of Bantu origin, on Good Friday, the ritual of “Kura” (closing the body) is performed.

This ritual was practiced by the Ndembu of Luanda by the name of “Nkula”, to purify them. It has its origins in the oldest Bantu practices of calundus (religious formations prior to the formation of Candomblé modeled by Ketu in Bahia).

In Brazil, Kuras are incisions made in initiates with the aim of protecting them against diseases, theft and all kinds of negativities, hence it is called “body closure”.

Some Jeje Mahi traditions, Nagô Vodum candomblé formations, and Jeje Nagô mainly, absorbed, in their formation, from the Bantu element present in the Recôncavo Baiano, such a tradition, some houses such as those of Candomblé in Angola perform on the Friday of the Passion.

Other segmented traditions and formations not exactly on the holy day of Catholics, but in a stage prior to the sacrifice of the 4-legged animal in the initiation rite.

The secret of the Closing of the Body in the Ritual of Healing is in what is passed on to it after the sign of the cross is marked and what is prayed at that moment, differing the ingredients passed and ingested and the prayers according to Candomblé.

See other Candomblé rituals for Holy Friday

To drive away negativities

• Grate a white pemba (specially made chalk, obtained through a rite or ceremony).
• Mix it with danda da da costa (a plant).
• Go all over the body or throw it in the corners of the house.

For health

• Cook a hominy, drain and let it cool.
• Mix it with granulated sugar.
• Place the mixture in a bowl and cover with cotton.
• Put it in a high place making your requests to I hope.

To close the body against assaults

• Take an old key and wash it with macassa (fragrant bush).
• Then pass the key all over your body and dispatch it under a leafy tree.

To help cure bronchitis

• Lean the patient against a tree with open arms.
• Nail three virgin nails at the height of the head, arms and legs.

To marry

• Get a pair of rings (can be jewelry).
• Tie the rings with white thread mentalizing your order.
• Keep them in your drawer.
• When your request comes true, leave these rings in a church at the feet of a saint of your devotion.

Enjoy and also see what Good Friday is like in spiritism and for the evangelicals.