Omolú – The Orisha of death that brings different energies to the human being

Responsible for earth, fire and also death, omolu is considered the most feared Orisha among all others. His strength and power to control the passage of beings from one plane to another is what makes him feared among humans. He has two strong and distinct energies, which makes him identified in one more way. Its younger version is called Obaluaiê, syncretized with São Roque. The older version is known as Omolú and is syncretized with São Lázaro. Learn more about this powerful Orisha!

Learn more about the history of Omolú

The name this Orisha receives is related to the term “king and owner of the land”, referring to the way energies are worked, bridging the gap between the passage from one plane to another. When represented in engravings, he always appears in robes made of straw that hide the secret of life and death.

Tradition reveals that Omolú and Obaluaiê are divine energies worshiped since Ancient Egypt and, with the figure of the “Angel of Death”, they have always been present in different cultures. In the countries of the African continent, the energies of the Orisha were considered “Lords of Life and Death”, varying according to the cult.

In the period of slavery, when black Africans arrived in Brazil, this knowledge relating the Orixá to the question of death, diseases and medicine became part of what would become Umbanda. However, generally, Umbanda terreiros do not differentiate between the energies of Omulú and Obaluaiê. After all, the two Orixás are related to the energies of life and death. Despite the initial similarity, some characteristics clearly mark the difference between the two.

When we talk about death, we are mentioning the forces of Omolú. He is responsible for directing the beings after the passage, taking them to the destination. Acting in the liberation of matter, the Orixá is quite present in hospitals, cemeteries and morgues.

Meanwhile, Obaluaiê is known as “Senhor das Passages”, as his energy is responsible for guiding the spirit to a new life. It also works in curing diseases. It is believed that this is the energy that enables health professionals to act successfully, bringing relief to the pain of those who suffer.

Monday is the day dedicated to the tributes to the Orixá, the main colors related to Omolú are the combinations: black and yellow or brown, yellow and red. And his greeting is “Atotô!”.

Syncretism of Omolu with São Roque

The younger version of Orixá receives the tributes on August 16, the same day dedicated to the Catholic saint, São Roque. The syncretism between the two is due to the fact that the Catholic figure is known for protecting against diseases and plagues. Just like the Orisha, which carries within itself energies responsible for both disease and healing.

Christian tradition tells that Roque was born into a wealthy family, but chose a life of poverty and devotion. In his wanderings, he arrived in Tuscany, Italy, and found a high death toll caused by the plague. Faced with the situation, he wished to be helpful and asked the hospital administrator to allow him to be close to the sick.

As soon as Roque began to live with the sick, the epidemic of the disease ended in the region. And the same thing happened in all the towns he passed through. It is believed that he cured only by making the sign of the cross on individuals.

This trajectory of healing and power over the passage or not of beings to the other plane is closely related to the performance of the Orixá, which in its youngest figure intervenes in the cure of diseases and guides health professionals to relieve pain.

Syncretism of Omolú with São Lázaro

Known for keeping the secrets of life and death, the Orisha in its eldest figure is syncretized with São Lázaro and is celebrated on December 17th.

São Lázaro is known by the Catholic Church for having one of the most remarkable stories in the Holy Bible, where the resurrection of Lazarus is narrated, one of the most amazing miracles of Jesus Christ.

The episode in the bible tells that Lazarus would have died four days ago when Jesus arrived at his house. Faced with the situation, the Lord would have entered the tomb of his friend and commanded him to get up and walk. And so it was done. Lazarus rose and rose from the grave.

The resurrection of Lazarus represents the passage between the two planes, the physical and the spiritual, and relates the story of the Catholic saint to the Orixá, guardian of the portal between the world of the living and the dead.

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