Xangô Day: see the day and other information about this powerful Orisha!

In Umbanda, Xangô, God of Thunder and Justice, is honored annually on September 30th. However, for other religions of African origin, the date changes to June 24th. But there is an explanation. It’s just that in Umbanda, with religious syncretism, Xangô represents Saint Jerome and the day of commemoration of this saint, known as the translator of the Bible into Latin by the Catholic Church, is in September.

Depending on the religious root of the African matrix, there may be up to 12 types of Xangô, as happens, for example, in Candomblé in Bahia. So, for some of these aspects, São Jerônimo is Xangô Agodô. For those who honor the Orixá in June, the correspondence in syncretism is Xangô Aganju, represented by São João.

In religions of African origin. Xangô is the Orixá of justice and judge of the Universe. For some of these aspects Xangô is recognized as King of the city of Oió, an ancient African empire that existed between the years 1400-1835 BC Below, a little of the history of this powerful Orixá.

Everyone knows that the Orixás were brought to Brazil in the 16th century by Yoruba slaves. It is also not new that the Orixás are ancestors deified by the followers of African religions. As there are few records from that time, there are several legends about the true origin of the Orixás.

Thus, legend has it that one of the possible origins of Xangô dates back to the Kingdom of Oió, in the lands of the Yoruba. Legend has it that the Kingdom of Oio was founded by Oraniam, who, during his wars, crossed the lands of King Elempê, with whom he made an alliance and married one of his daughters. From this union, Xangô was born.

One of the itãs (legends) tells that Xangô inherited the Kingdom of Oió from his father and ruled there for many years. Still according to legend, Xangô was a strong warrior, who dressed in red, the color of fire. Xangô had three wives: Obá, Iansã and Oxum.

According to legend, Iansã was Xangô’s true love. And to marry her, he had to win the war against Ogun. In this war, Ogun performed with the sword and armor. Xangô only had a stone in his hand, but the stone had powers that defeated Ogun. And so, Xangô won the eternal love of Iansã.

Very vain, Xangô always appears dressed in red, the color of fire. The ancients say that Xangô, so vain as he was, braided his hair like a woman’s. Usually represented by the Emperor in the tarot, his appearance brings a noble and virile bearing.

However, depending on the type of Xangô and the African hue strand, the Orisha may appear as a dark-skinned boy wrapped in red robes. In this case, representing Saint John.

If compared with other mythologies, Xangô represents for African religions the same as Tupã for the Tupi-Guarani or Zeus for the Greeks. Xangô was also known for his violent and virile character.

Merciless justice, this Orixá punished those who did not agree with the good practices of that reign. To this day, in iles all over the world, Xangô is honored with a hot dance, in front of the drums, to the sound of the alujá.

Religious syncretism, defined as the fusion of one or more religions, arrived in Brazil during colonization and the arrival of slaves. In addition, the dominance of the Catholic Church, supported by the Portuguese crown, also contributed to the Orixás being represented by Catholic saints.

Due to this syncretism, Xangô can be worshiped as São João, São Jerônimo and São Miguel Arcanjo, depending on the “basin” of Ilê, that is, depending on the branch of African roots, such as Candomblé, Umbanda or Nação (part of matrix African common mainly in the terreiros of RS).

Xangô, in addition to being the merciless punisher of the Universe, is also known as the King of Wisdom. It symbolizes balance and achievement. With his two-sided axe, Xangô protects his children from injustice and is the guardian of the Law of Return. Next you will know what to do to please this Orisha.

In Umbanda, the colors of Xangô are red and white, but in other aspects of religions with an African hue, the Owner of Fire and Pedreira can also use brown or brown and white.

One of the main elements of Shango is fire. Therefore, this Orisha is also known as the lord of thunder and lightning. Xangô also owns the quarries and this connects him to the earth element.

Xangô’s domains are in power, wisdom and justice. Therefore, everything related to these domains will be related to the righteous Orisha. From the eruptions of volcanoes to the lightning and thunder echoing in the sky, Xangô extends his domain. After all, Xangô is the guardian of Universal Laws.

Oxé is the main symbol of Xangô. Your two-sided ax is a weapon carved from wood, copper, gilded brass, or bronze. Oxé symbolizes the warrior spirit of this Orisha.

Before talking about Xangô candles, it is necessary to remember that for the followers of these religions, candles symbolize the sum of thought, vibration and fire. Therefore, the candles of the orixás accompany the colors of the clothes. In the case of Xangô, they can be red and white or brown.

The main leaves and herbs of Shango are: lemon leaves, coffee and fire leaf. The main herbs are: mint, purple basil, stone breaker, rose, mastic, snake corn and St. John’s wort. Nutmeg, pomegranate, black jurema, hibiscus flower and mulungu are also part of the list.

The main food of Xangô, also used in offerings to the Orisha, is Amalah. But Senhor da Justiça’s menu also includes ajobó, oxtail, acarajé, pepper and white hominy, in addition to mutton and turtle meat. To drink, mineral water, coconut water and dark beer.

According to the fundamentals of religions of African origin, the animals that represent Xangô are the tortoise, the sheep, the falcon, the eagle and the lion. Each of these animals has to do with the abilities of the Orisha. An example is the lion, symbolizing the reign of Xangô.

The quizilas of the Orixás are everything that can cause opposite reactions in axé. That is, they are prohibitions that must be respected by the children of the saint. Therefore, the children of Xangô should avoid eating okra, oxtail, turtle or mutton meat and shrimp with a tail.

To connect with the Orisha Xangô, you can start the ritual by lighting a red and white or brown candle. You can also wear clothes in these colors. The ritual can be performed on Wednesdays, the day dedicated to the Orisha in Umbanda. Next, learn all about the offerings, baths and sympathies for Xangô.

In whatever terreiro, from Umbanda to Candomblé, the greeting for Xangô is the same: Kaô Kabecilê! This expression, which means “come salute the king/father”, is of Yoruba origin and was brought and perpetuated by Afro-Brazilians and adherents of religions of African origin throughout Brazil.

The Kaô Kabecilê greeting also serves as a “call”, increasing the vibration of the chain to expand the connection with the Orisha, and to facilitate its incorporation.

If you want to please this powerful Orisha, you will definitely have to do an Amalah. Served in a wooden trough, this offering consists of okra, manioc flour, palm oil, onion and bananas. The recipe is simple. Make the pirão, seasoning with onion, pepper and palm oil. Let cool.

Then, place mustard leaves lining the trough, cut the okra lengthwise, peel the bananas and decorate the dish. The offering must be left in a quarry, preferably on Wednesday. She doesn’t forget to write her request on a white piece of paper and place it inside the Amalah. Also, don’t forget to light the offering with a red, red and white or brown candle.

Now that you know a little more about Xangô, it’s time for a super sympathy to overcome an injustice. Pay attention to the ingredients: you will need 6 mustard leaves, 6 small bananas, 6 pieces of virgin paper, 3 ordinary white candles, 3 ordinary red candles and palm oil for drizzling.

The preparation consists of lining a trough with the mustard leaves with the stem facing out. Next, peel the bananas in half and arrange them in a circle in the container. Write the name of the person who committed the injustice on the papers, put them folded in the bananas and water everything with palm oil. To finish, place the candles interspersing the colors between the bananas. Deposit in a quarry and light the candles.

One of the most powerful baths in Xangô is the bath for prosperity. To make it, you will need two liters of solarized or mineral water, 12 sliced ​​okra and a glass of wine.

Mash the okra slices with the water and wine. Rub this mixture from the feet to the head. That is, from bottom to top. Meanwhile, mentalize your request 12 times. After 6 minutes, take your shower as usual.

Lord of Justice, Xangô controls the forces of the Universe with his fire, his lightning and his thunder. As we saw in this article, Xangô is the Orixá of karmic justice, here and in all other lives. Xangô is also recognized, in African matrix religions, as the lord of balance and achievements.

Therefore, if you are in need of a little help to resolve a lawsuit, carry out a project or find your emotional balance, make an Amalah for Xangô. Take a bath for prosperity…