São Jorge and Ogun ► See the syncretism and find out if they are the same person

Did you know that both Saint George’s Day and Ogun’s Day are celebrated on the same day? Why do people relate these two entities? Are they the same person?

If you also have these doubts, follow this article. In it we will explain the syncretism between this saint of the Catholic Church and the orixá worshiped by Umbanda and Candomblé.

What is syncretism?

Syncretism is the mixing of different doctrines that retains traces of the original doctrines. A strong moment of syncretism was the arrival of slaves in Brazil.

The slaves brought with them African culture and its religions. This enabled the creation of Umbanda and Candomblé in Brazilian territory. However, their beliefs were banned and they were forced to undergo a catechization process. At that time, only Catholic Christian belief was allowed.

Cleverly, to maintain their faith in their native gods, slaves began to make associations. Thus, they invoked the orixás through images of Catholic saints: Oxóssi in the form of Saint Sebastian, Iansã as Saint Barbara, Oxalá as Jesus Christ, Ossain as Saint Benedict, Ogun as Saint George and so on. Each of the 16 orixás corresponds to one or more Catholic saints.

This strategy used by the slaves managed to keep the faith of these people alive and increase their strength to fight for better days.

Syncretism between the Orisha Ogum and São Jorge

Ogun is a fearless orisha, warrior, associated with battles and struggles. Overcoming, leadership and victory are always present in his legends. By inspiring strength, Ogun is considered the perfect, virile warrior, who is always ready for combat and to emerge victorious.

Thus, the association with São Jorge was almost automatic. The very representation of Saint George, who appears on a horse, with armor and spear, reminds us of combat. The saint was a soldier in the Roman Army. He rose through the ranks and became an officer.

Due to Ogun’s association with São Jorge, his day is also celebrated on April 23.

For Saint George, Catholics wear red, the color of the saint’s martyrdom, light candles in front of his image and set off fireworks in celebration.

Candomblecistas and Umbanda practitioners build shacks where they serve a rich breakfast table. In front of this table, a whole ritual follows, like a moment of silence that represents a passage in the life of Ogun. Red is also the color of Ogun, not because of martyrdom, but because of the fire element.

Are Ogun and São Jorge the same?

Currently, syncretism is not well accepted by Umbanda and Candomblé practitioners. This is because these religions are increasingly independent, mature and professing their own faith.

Thus, not all practitioners of African-based religions agree with the statement that Ogun is the same as Saint George.

The same is true of Catholics. They don’t even make that association because they would be worshiping a god from a pagan animist cult.

Another difference is that, unlike Catholic saints, orixás are entities with virtues and defects. Their followers also believe they know the fate of each of the mortals.

Ogun has a totally different nature of spiritual energy from the nature of São Jorge. So it is not possible for them to be the same person.

Similarities between São Jorge and Ogun

Both the saint and the orixá are warriors and vigilantes. São Jorge is the protector of soldiers, soldiers and blacksmiths. He is the man of the Army of God, who faced a dragon with his horse and would face the beasts of hell to defend the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ogun is the orixá that goes ahead in battle. He is fearless and trailblazer. It was Ogun who taught men to work with iron and fire. He is represented by a sword. He uses it to quickly help whoever invokes him.

São Jorge and Ogun are called upon to open paths, ward off enemies and solve problems of injustice against their faithful.

If you want open paths in your life, you can pray the Saint George prayer to open paths while taking a bath with Saint George’s bath salt.

In case you are being wrongedthe best thing is to ask Ogun for help praying this prayer with all your faith.

For drive away enemies, it is interesting to always have the Saint George necklace with you. It will give you protection and prevent negative energies from reaching you.

History of Saint George Guerreiro and Ogun

Saint George

Saint George was born in 275 AD in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. His father was in the military and died in battle. After the death of his father, Jorge and his mother, named Lida, moved to the Holy Land.

Jorge’s mother was born in Palestine. She was a woman who had education and many possessions. Thus, Jorge managed to have a very good education.

With a combative temperament, the saint became a soldier, quickly becoming a captain in the Roman Army. Jorge had skill with weapons and a lot of dedication.

Saint George died on April 23, 303, after fighting Emperor Diocletian’s decision to eliminate Christians. He was tortured and beheaded for refusing to abandon the Christian faith. Learn more details about the history of São Jorge.

Ogun

According to African mythology, the first appearance of Ogun was as a hunter, whose name was Tobe Ode. He was the first orixá to come from heaven to earth in order to live among men.

He is still the last Igbá Imolé, a group of about 200 right-wing orixás. They acted in disagreement with Olodumaré’s judgment and were therefore destroyed by him. After what happened, Ogum was tasked with leading another group of 400 left-wing orixás, the Irun Imole.

Still according to mythology, Ogun was responsible for teaching men how to forge iron and steel to make levers, axes, shovels, hoes, pickaxes, swords and knives.

This warrior is said to be the eldest son of Oduduwa. The belief tells that Ogun’s father was blind, leaving his son responsible for leading the city of Ifé.

During his leadership, he became involved in numerous disputes against neighboring kingdoms, which he always conquered, providing him with rich spoils. This made him known for his warrior nature. Discover the full story of Ogun.