Omulu: History, Syncretism and Worship of the Orisha of Death!

Omulu, Omolu, Obaluaiê or Obaluaê it’s quite an Orisha dreaded in Umbanda and Candomblé.

This because he is responsible for fire, earth and the dreaded death. This is one of Orixás that most arouses the fear of followers of religions of African origin, but make no mistake, he has many qualities.

This Orisha is considered the protector of the poor, something quite noble for an Entity that arouses so much fear in humans. He is also associated with healing powersince it helps in human diseases by providing relief from pain and suffering.

Want to know a little more about the Omulu’s story and all your features? So keep reading until the end to find out all about the Orisha of death.

Omulu: Orisha of Death

Who is Omulu?

Omulu is an Orisha worshiped by religions of African origin such as Umbanda it’s the Candomblé. In this way, it represents several important elements of human life, such as fire, earth and death. For all these characteristics, Omulu is the Orisha most feared by humans.

many people wonder who is omulu. If you are one of them, know that this Orixá has several variations in its name, and can be Omolu, Obaluaê, Obaluaiê and Omulu. These are the most common variations, but you can still find other terms to refer to Omulu.

Synonymous with fear, this Orisha represents much more than death, as it is commonly associated. He is able to see every detail of a person’s life, so no one can hide anything from Omulu.

The Orisha is also an important figure for the poor sick, who are protected by this Orisha. Omolu represents healing and the end of suffering, because he has already felt in his skin what it is to suffer from a disease, so he always helps those who are in this situation of pain.

Considering its characteristics, we have Omolu has the great power to destroy civilizations with epidemics and other catastrophes that cause death.just like the ability to cure all kinds of ailments.

Another peculiarity of this Orisha is that he never presents himself without the straw in his body, because his brightness is as intense as the sun. The figure of this Orisha is represented by a Being who walks bent over and with expressions of suffering and intense pain.

Orisha’s History

This important Orisha has several stories about its teachings, birth and much more. In this way, the story that we will tell next is about his birth and also abandonment.

Brother of OxumaréOmulu is the son of I hope and nanã. Thus, during her pregnancy, Nanã had some disagreements with Oxalá and Omolu was born with several smallpox. This caused the Orisha to abandon her son on the edge of the sea to die.

After some time, Iemanjá found Obaluaiê all deformed because of the disease and because the crabs were eating him alive. With great compassion and pity, Iemanjá adopted Obaluaiê and taught him to overcome all evils and cure any disease.

In this way, Omulu grew up covered in scars that embarrassed him, until he decided to create his own straw clothing capable of covering his entire body. Only his arms and legs are left out of the suit.

With all this life story, the Orisha grew shy and withdrawn. Thus, all his questioning of why he was abandoned made the Orisha become someone serious, thoughtful and very thoughtfulO. This also made him a little grumpy.

Who is Omulu in the Catholic Church?

Omulu is syncretized on two different lines. But, in fact, it is the same Orisha!

• Obaluaiê: syncretized by São Roque, the characteristics that resemble the Orixá of this Saint is the protection of the sick poor. Thus, São Roque is the patron saint of the sick in Catholicism and is also the Saint sought by surgeons. Alongside Nanã, his mother, the Orixá is called Obaluaiê, a being with a young character who helps the dead in the transition between the material and spiritual planes.
• Omulu: syncretized by Saint Lazarus, the Holy Protector of beggars and lepers. In this syncretism, both went through the suffering of the illness, but they never stopped helping others and having faith. Alongside Iemanjá, his adoptive mother, the Orixá is called Omulu, which is the figure of a serious man who rules death, while Iemanjá brings incarnation.

Omulu and Obaluaiê syncretized in the Catholic Church

Omulu in Umbanda and Candomblé

First, it is important to highlight that this Orixá has several interesting characteristics observed in religions of African origin, such as the worship, offerings, celebrations, prayer and much more. Below is a summary of how Omulu is seen in these religions through their children and worship of the Orisha!

children of Omulu

The most striking features of Omulu’s children is the depressive, sad and negative way of life. Thus, these people usually have a sad face, like to complain about pain, health and everyday situations, and present a immense stubbornness.

Even though they are grumpy, these people also have a affectionate and sweet side. But make no mistake, anyone’s optimism goes away after a conversation with a son of Omulu. These people also have spots on the skin and almost always have some pain in the body.

vengeful, no one would want to be part of the list of enemies of this Orisha’s children. So, among so many negative qualities, the children of this Orisha stand out for their friendship, trust, loyalty and the hard-working spirita. these people are extremely dedicated and hardworking.

Worship of the Orisha

Obaluyaê or Omulu is worshiped through celebrations and commemorations that take place mainly on the august 16o, which is the day dedicated to the Orisha. The day of the week that represents this Orisha is Monday.

On all occasions of worship to the Orisha, clothes, adornments and decorations are used in the white, red and black colors. There are also services made through offerings, prayers and greetings to Omulu. Thus, in the case of greeting, the term is used “Atotô Obaluaê”that means “Silence for the great Earth King”.

Did you like the story of Omulu and its characteristics? Then see other Orixás here on .

Meet other Orishas: