SANTERIA NECKLACES: What are they? How are they made? and more

Santería Necklaces, with this article we invite you to discover the meaning of each of the necklaces used within the Religion and ritual practices of the Yoruba culture; and learn how to make the most suitable one for you, and for your basic needs; With this you will be creating a symbol or the bond of union with your favorite Orisha.

Introduction

Santería is a Lucumí cult also called the Rule of Ifá or Ocha; which is typical of people who are of Afro-Cuban origin, especially originated with the descendants of the slaves who lived in the colonial era and which has subsequently been transmitted from generation to generation, adding to it, many other people as well as countries throughout the world.

Their beliefs were born as a derivation of the culture and religion followed by the Yoruba people of Africa, and which in Cuba were syncretized with the use of images typical of Catholic Christianity, but where the fact that the Catholic religion occurs It does not recognize Santeria as a Christian cult, but on the contrary, as a pagan practice.

The necklaces are elements that have been used within the cult followed by the santeros, to be used by the godchildren of the orishas, ​​as a symbol of their association or union with a certain saint, who is crowned by them.

Thus, the necklaces are objects of great ritual power, worn by the believers of this cult, as a representation of the deity to whom they worship, the person who wears it.

And through them you have a symbol of faith and belonging, creating a bond between the orishas and their godchildren; being one of the essential elements, to be able to have adequate communication between them, and also show them respect and devotion.

In this article we are going to dedicate it to developing the topic corresponding to the Santería Necklaces, an element of high value within the Yoruba cult, and indispensable for the santeros, because with them the people who wear it feel that they are united in some spiritual way. to the universe of its Yoruba saints. (We recommend reading the article about Elegua)

What are Santeria Necklaces?

Santería Necklaces are objects of great importance that are part of the life of every good santero, because for them it is not only a symbol of protection against evil, but as we have stated; It represents a bond of union between the initiate or devotee of this cult, also called godson, with a certain representative saint of the Yoruba religion, and which is part of everything that is the Rule of Ifá.

These necklaces are made by hand in various colors, which, as we will see later, are the representation of each saint. Thus, each of the deities that are worshiped in Santeria has a specific color that identifies them, as well as a cabalistic number, with which their necklace is prepared, and which serves to represent them.

For this reason, one of the most well-known and important rites within Santería is the way in which its faithful identify themselves within the cult, and for them the imposition of Santería necklaces is carried out, which are known by the name of Elekes or Iñales.

These Santeria Necklaces represent the connection of the person initiated into the cult or neophyte, with the deities of African origin and the protection that these saints offer them throughout their lives, since it is considered that this is a bond that can only be breaks with death.

Commitment

In this sense, it is necessary to highlight the fact that those who receive the necklaces are not obliged to carry out the final consecration, nor to perform subsequent ceremonies. For these are not assigned by whim or adornment; When they are imposed it is due to two initial factors.

The person interested in entering the cult expresses their need and desire to do so. The Orishas or deities of the Osha, who are the saints, must have the disposition of protection or acceptance of the initiate.

For this reason, an interpretation is made of the signs manifested by the snails, which is known by the name of Diloggun, or through the use of the Ifá board, through which the Saint communicates to the Santero that he is generally a Babalawo, who The devotee or initiate must receive the imposition of necklaces, in order to give him protection.

Finally, the decision to place Santeria Necklaces is due to the needs that the consultant is going through, which are generally related to their health, their individual protection, depending on their destiny or the religious vocation expressed previously. (See also article on Prayer to Elegua)

How are they made?

Santería Necklaces are basically made by hand, either by a Babalawo or some professional person in the field who has received instructions regarding their making; They can also be made by a santero. But always following a series of religious guidelines that are necessary to guarantee the value of the necklace itself.

Initially, it is necessary to perform prayers and songs, which is known as Moyugbar. Subsequently, the making of the necklace begins by taking a cotton thread and no other material, as this is essential, so that it can absorb the Omiero, which is a necessary element for its cleaning and recharging.

For this elaboration, one must also have the knowledge that the foundation necklaces are seven, four being received during the initiation of the devotee, which are representatives of Obatalá, Oshún, Yemayá and Shangó. Later, and at the request of the saints or orishas, ​​they will receive the other three, Eleggua, Oggún and Oya.

In the following video, the way of making a certain Santeria Necklace is presented as a sample, being in this case, representative of Aggayu Sola, who is the orisha that represents the volcano, the magma and the interior of the earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo-lGtABYK4

The clarification must be made that this order in which the foundation necklaces are received may vary depending on the house of saints, as well as the number of them that will be made at the initiation.

If you follow the case in which the four Santeria necklaces are made, based on the foundation that we have indicated, while the necklaces are being strung, with the beads in the color and quantities corresponding to each saint, the order indicated with Obatalá must be followed. , Yemayá, Oshún and Shangó; while praying, in order to identify the necklace.

To do this, we leave you as an example the type of prayer that is pronounced while the necklace is being made. Emphasizing that a textual quote is presented, since this ritual must be followed in the native language of the Yoruba.

“Your ashé Obatalá to (initiate name),

my ashé a (name),

Obatalaisa Obatalocha your ashé Elekes,

My ashé Elekes babamí lerí catiogue ocuní

Obatalá your ashé Elekes ayuba Obatalá.

Maferefún Obatalá”

“Your ashé Yemaya (name),

my ashé a (name),

Yemayá Olokun Yemayálocha

Ashé arere illa milateo Yemayá,

Your ashé Elekes lerí or mine Yemayá lordé,

Your ashé Elekes ayuba Maferefún Yemayá”

“Your ashé Oshún (name),

my ashé a (name),

Oshún obiní oro yeye yeyeo tu ashé

Elekes illa lerí illami oni egale quasi tu ashé

Elekes Oshún illa illami oni egale quasi tu ashé

Elekes Oshún illa illami tu ashé Elekes Oshún ayuba.

Maferefún Oshún”

“Your ashé Shangó a (name),

my ashé a (name),

Your ashé Shangó olouco Ozaín cherere your ashé

Elekes ayuba Shango.

Maferefun Shango”.

This entire process must be followed as indicated, since it is the way in which it has been established within the norms of the Yoruba religious cult, and once all the planned Santeria necklaces have been made, they must be taken to the river. , with the purpose of being washed; It is also recommended that it be offered to Oshún, goddess of sweet waters, with the sacrifice of a chicken and honey.

Subsequently, it is necessary to offer a sacrifice in honor of Elegua, and prepare a series of herbs, with which the Omiero is made, the liquid with which the necklace is cleaned and charged. In this sense, it is necessary to have eight herbs for Obatalá, seven for Yemayá, five for Oshún and about six for Shangó.

These herbs are prepared by being crushed with Oké on the mat, and it is necessary to sing in honor of Osaín, who is a deity, considered the one who governs nature, and the owner of herbs, especially medicinal ones; being very careful to prevent these species from falling to the ground.

The Omiero is prepared with all the herbs, while their corresponding sacrificial animals are offered to each saint.

In Santeria necklaces, in order to finish their preparation, it is necessary that they spend seven days inside the tureen corresponding to their saint; Well, that is where it is charged and filled with energy.

It is also necessary that during the seven days, they are offered fruits to the liking of each Orisha saint; which represents a manifestation of gratitude on the part of the initiate and after completing the established time, the necklace is completely ready to be imposed on the individual for whom it has been made. (You may be interested in knowing who Oya is)

What do Santeria necklaces mean?

Santería Necklaces represent a form of identification within the Yoruba religion, through which each person can represent their participation within the cult; and through which the status occupied by this person is also marked, either as an initiate, the degree of evolution achieved and his final graduation as a santero.

The putting on of the Santería Necklaces within the cult is something known as imposition, or the assignment of Iñales or Elekes. Being considered a permanent link between the initiate and the deity that has chosen him, within this religion.

These necklaces provide protection and special powers to the wearer, which depend on the specific characteristics of their saint; With them, rituals and offerings are performed and their saint is properly worshiped, being a bond that is considered for life, once it has been accepted by the deity.

When the necklaces are received, the person is not obligated to receive the saint, this being definitively achieved or established in the final consecration. Well, it is considered, as already mentioned, that this is a decision made by the person with complete freedom, and it is something that must be previously approved by the saint himself.

In the case of women, the length of the necklace must be, from their neck to the navel, worn over the clothing they are wearing, which in the case of men differs, since they must wear it inside their clothing. . What should always be considered is that your Guardian Angel’s necklace has to be the longest of all.

Therefore, the Santería Necklaces are a bond or commitment that is one of the first steps to begin participating in the rituals and cults of Santeria, and through their…