Iemanjá – Queen of the oceans and mother of all Orixás

One of the most well-known deities of Umbanda and Candomblé is the Queen of the Sea, Yemanja. She receives this title for being the Orisha connected to the oceans, water and even nature. Mother of all Orixás, she is very important! Therefore, her energies are closely linked to fecundity, which makes her responsible for the Mystery of Generation. In the Catholic tradition, it is usually associated with Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, on account of the protection of fishermen. Want to know more about this powerful Orisha? So check it out now!

Iemanjá – The mother of the Orixás and the Oceans

Iemanjá is the Orisha of salt waters and also protector of fishermen and jangadeiros. In fact, her name is derived from the Yoruba expression “Yèyé omo ejá” which means “Mother whose children are fish”. In the Catholic tradition, she is usually associated with Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes.

According to the legends of Umbanda and Candomblé, Iemanjá is the second wife of Oxalá and the queen of salt waters. She is the ruler of the homes and protector of the family, acting in unions, birthdays, wedding parties and all celebrations that involve the family, whether blood or not.

Because of this, it is believed that it acts as the force of nature, which has a central role in the lives of human beings, as it governs homes and homes. Umbanda devotees understand that she is responsible for giving the sense of family to people who live together in the same environment. It is this Orisha that awakens the feeling of love among family members, giving meaning to the relationships built by mothers, fathers and children.

About the Orisha Yemanja

For many, Iemanjá may have a conflicting role with Oxum, since the two are linked to fertility, water and women. However, there are no conflicts between Orixás. While Oxum is concentrated in fresh water, she is in salt water and acts in another sphere of relationships.

The main colors of Iemanjá are light blue, white and silver, always present in their costumes and adornments, representing their mystery and vanity. The day of the week dedicated to her is Saturday and her greeting is “Odò ìyá!”.

Iemanjá and the syncretism with Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes

It is believed that the syncretism between the figure of Umbanda and Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes began in the 18th century, when there was a conflict due to the clash between the religions of those who came from Africa with the dominant Catholicism in Brazil.

In addition to the two being honored on February 2, the relationship between them lies in the fact that both are protectors of the seas and those who sail in salty waters. According to Catholic tradition, Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes began to receive many requests for help in the Middle Ages, more specifically when the Crusades took place.

At this time, Spaniards and Portuguese were crossing the Mediterranean Sea towards Palestine with the aim of protecting the sacred environments of the infidels and asking the Saint to protect and guide them throughout the journey.

Because of this, Maria also came to be called the “Star of the Sea”, being recognized for being the one who protects those who navigate the sea, always showing them the best route and the ideal safe harbor for their arrival.

The history and Iemanjá related to Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes

The story tells that, before leaving for the crossings, the navigators attended the Holy Mass and asked for protection from Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes. That way, they felt more confident to get into those small boats, face the sea and possible storms. For this reason, she is considered the patron saint of sailors and travelers alike.

In addition to her, other Christian figures are syncretized with Iemanjá in different regions of the country, and the date on which the commemorations and tributes are made to the Orixá may also vary. In addition to Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, she can be related to Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Virgin Mary and Nossa Senhora das Candeias.

In Salvador, the syncretism is with Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes and the biggest party in Brazil in honor of the Queen of the Sea takes place there. The celebration, which takes place on February 2, brings together thousands of people dressed in white to make offerings to the Orixá.

In Rio de Janeiro, the party takes place together with the New Year, on December 31, with the delivery of the “Barco de Iemanjá”, which carries offerings from Umbanda devotees who wish a new year full of good energies. In addition, in some places, the celebration takes place on December 8th and in others, on August 15th.

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