Xangô – The Orixá of justice with syncretism in São João Batista

One of the best known figures of Umbanda and Candomblé, Xango is considered the Orisha of justice and wisdom. He is linked to balance and nature, being considered god of fire, thunder and lightning. He is also known for being an Orisha who protects intellectuals.

The diversity of characteristics that Xangô carries makes the Orixá syncretized in different ways in the Catholic tradition. Some relate it to Saint John the Baptist, others to Saint Jerome or Saint Judas Tadeu. He knows this Orisha better and understands all the syncretism with the Saints of the Catholic Church.

Knowing the history of Xango

Son of Bayani and husband of Iansã, goddess of the winds, the Orisha is closely related to issues of justice and karma. For this reason, he is represented with a two-sided axe, an object that is both a symbol of protection for his children and of punishment when injustices are committed. The six-pointed star also accompanies him, representing the power to balance the universe.

The day of the week dedicated to this Orisha, Xangô, is Wednesday, the main colors associated with the Orisha are those that relate to fire – its element, and its greeting is “Kao Kabiesilê!”.

In addition, the children of this Orisha carry with them the main characteristics of the father. They are quite impulsive and seek transformation. Despite being authoritarian, they are also kind, fair and generous to those in need.

Syncretism with Saint John the Baptist

In general, the syncretism of the Orixá is made with São João Batista and the date of commemoration takes place on June 24th. According to Catholicism, Saint John the Baptist was a second cousin of Jesus. The mother of John the Baptist was Elizabeth, cousin of Mary, mother of Jesus. As the age difference between them was small, they grew closer over time.

It is believed that John the Baptist came into the world first as one of the spirits in charge of preparing the environment for the reincarnation of Jesus. Both were very close and had a very strong friendship and companionship relationship. It was even John the Baptist who baptized Jesus, which is understood as a moment of purification in fresh water.

This issue of baptism and symbolism with purification links the saint to Xangô. It is understood that with the power of fire, the Orisha destroys what is bad, transforming and bringing all that is good according to the worthiness of each one. He is able to purify and reborn, changing negative forces into positive ones.

In addition, during the period of advancement of Catholicism, the Church began to encourage the faithful to light bonfires for certain saints, such as Saint John, Saint Peter and Saint Anthony, especially on the summer solstice of the European continent. The Orisha appears once again at this moment. It is believed that the bonfires of the June celebrations, in the traditional Festas Juninas, are to ask for the bad to be turned into good.

Syncretism with Saint Jerome

The 6th vibratory line of Umbanda is directed by Xangô and has the guidance of São Jerônimo. According to this line, it is understood that those people who have been humiliated will be uplifted spiritually and those who have punished the other will receive the punishment back and those who seek prominence by praising themselves will be less valued.

Those who follow this line understand the Orisha as the one who imposes justice and punishes those who deserve it and relate him to Saint Jerome who, in the Catholic Christian tradition, is the one who has the power of writing and records his laws and judgments in stone. Saint Jerome is also powerful for taming the lion, promoting balance. In addition to protecting intellectuals, as well as the Orisha.

In Brazil, this syncretism occurs mainly in Bahia and in the version of Xangô das Pedreiras. In this way, tributes to the Orixá take place on the same day as the saint, September 30th.

Syncretism with Saint Judas Tadeo

There are still those who believe that syncretism occurs with São Judas Tadeu, since he carries a book in his hand. This book represents works, studies and documents, elements that relate to Xangô.

According to tradition, everything related to studies and the field of law, such as contracts and documents, belong to the Orixá. This occurs mainly in entities that work with Xangô in the field of reason, seeking the balance of the individual. As we are constantly evolving, this balance awakens the real values ​​of life. In this case, the celebrations and tributes to the Orixá take place on October 28th.

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