Oxum – The Orisha responsible for maintaining balance of emotions

female orixá, Oshun it is responsible for maintaining the balance of emotions, fertility and nature. She is the goddess of love, Orisha of fresh water and considered the mother of all peoples, interceding for humans in all situations.

In the Christian and Catholic tradition, Oshun is syncretized with several figures of Our Lady, always those that are represented with cherubs at her feet. The best known syncretism is that of Orixá with Nossa Senhora da Conceição, as both are honored on December 8th.

About Oxum – The mother of the Orixás

Oxum is named after the Osun River and is the guardian of all fresh waters – rivers, lakes and waterfalls – and of the gold mines and riches of the natural subsoil. Daughter of Oxalá, she is also the Orixá of beauty and protector of motherhood. She is sweet, sweet and has tenderness as one of her strengths.

It can also be called “Osúm”, “Osún” or even “Oxun”. It is the Orixá that represents sensitivity, delicacy and passion to motivate the essence of life. In general, female characteristics are the most observed in the Orisha. Called “Mamãe Oxum”, her energy is present in the fresh and calm water, calming those who pass by, but mainly the heart of those who are in love.

The fact that it is also considered the Orisha of love makes it very popular to resolve issues concerning relationships and other love matters. In addition, it is sought after by those who desire peace and stability in a relationship. She is always ready to bless anyone who needs balance in the relationship. The day of the week dedicated to Orisha is Saturday, its main color is yellow gold, representing the wealth it has, and the greeting is “Ora yê yê Ô, Mamãe Oxum!!”.

Oxum and syncretism with Our Lady

The syncretism between the two entities is due to the fact that, like the Christian figure, the Orixá is the one that represents and protects women in general. Also known as the Orixá of fertility and love, she protects pregnant women – just like Iemanjá – and is an example of a mother who never abandons her children. In a way, she carries within herself traces of Our Lady.

The way in which the Orixá will be syncretized varies according to the regions of Brazil. In Bahia, Oxum is related to Nossa Senhora das Candeias or Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres – the name given by the Catholic Church to the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, devotion to Our Lady of Candeias began with the celebration of the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple and the purification of Our Lady, forty days after birth. In this case, the tributes are on February 2nd.

In the south of the country, it is common to be syncretized with Nossa Senhora da Conceição, also known as the Immaculate Conception. This figure of Our Lady makes reference to the dogma from which the Church determined that the conception of the Virgin Mary took place without original sin. It is believed that, from the first moment of her existence, she was preserved from all and any sin by the grace of God.

In the Center-West and Southeast of Brazil, Orixá is associated with Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida, patron saint of the country and popularly known as Nossa Senhora Aparecida. The story of this figure is related to his appearance and performance of a miracle that took place in 1717.

The story of Our Lady and syncretism with Oshun

It is said that three fishermen from the Vale do Paraíba region, in the interior of São Paulo, were tasked with fishing at inappropriate times. At first, the net came without fish, but with the body of a figure. Then, still without fish, but with the head that completed the body, forming Our Lady Seems. Then she worked a miracle and the net came full of fish. The date of the tributes is on the 12th of October.

In the Northeast region of Brazil, Oxum is syncretized with Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Known for the use of the traditional Carmo Scapular, an accessory that represents the consecration of a Christian devotee to the Virgin Mary, its feast date is the 16th of July.

There are still two other syncretisms, but not as common. In Minas Gerais, Orixá is syncretized with Nossa Senhora das Dores, celebrated on September 15th. And, in parts of the North region of Brazil, with Nossa Senhora de Nazaré and has a celebration on September 8th.

Now that you know better Oshun and his syncretism with Our Lady, see also: