Altars
Raisa "Nell" Parnell
Today we were exploring and getting the best visuals of the Cuban religion of Regla de Ocha, also known as Santeria. Regla de Ocha is a syncretism of West African Yoruba spirituality and Catholicism, along with some non-Yoruba African spiritual beliefs (such as some from the Congo) as well as some Native American belief systems. For the majority of us on this trip, this first day was our first encounter with this religion. Another similar, yet distinct, spirituality that we encountered that day was Palo Monte. Palo is another syncretic religion that has influences from Central Africa and also includes strong Native American influences, and a number of priests in Regla de Ocha (termed Santeros / Santeras) are also priests in Palo Mayombe (termed Paleros / Paleras).
Professor Tomas Robaina took us to visit the homes of priests and priestesses of Santeria and Palo who were kind enough to let us view their private altars. Everyone's altar is different - the uniqueness of one's altar is as unique as the person. An altar generally consists of at least five orichas on a shelf or within a cabinet. The altar is likely to include pots for the different orichas. Additionally, mementos, figurines, and offerings are placed on the altars - some of which are permanent, others are not. Offerings - if it is food of some sort - is usually taken off the altar right before it spoils. Different elements of nature may also be placed on the altar depending on the individual needs of the person who possesses the altar. Thus, no two altars are the same. That being said, there are some guidelines that are followed in all the altars we viewed. For examples, Obatala -- the creator oricha-- always sits at the top of the cabinet or shelves of one's altar. The second level is generally devoted to the head oricha of the individual's altars. The third level consists of other orichas as well as another individual's oricha pots that may be living in the home. Equally important, the colors that are associated with each particular oricha are seen in the pots and other mementos. Depending on space, however, this display may take on another shape and orichas may be placed in different parts of the home.
One of the altars we looked at was of an older woman who had it in her bedroom, right next to her bed. An oricha of her son, whom she lived with, was also in her altar. Another altar we looked at seemed to be the grand altar of altars. It was large and possessed almost all of the major orichas that are worshipped in Cuba. A large 8-9 shelved unit took up one wall of the room, and had an oricha pot on each shelf. Some of the shelves included Asian figurines, beaded necklaces, flowers, candles, and even toy dolls. Another altar we saw was Tomasito's. His was also on a corner shelf unit. In comparison to the aforementioned elaborate altar, Tomasito's was much simpler. Accompanying the pots were only two or three other mementos, with little decoration beyond that. The altars were either focal points or simple additions to the homes and said a great deal about their owners. Not only did we learn about Regla de Ocha but we learned much more about the Cuban people.
Raisa "Nell" Parnell
Today we were exploring and getting the best visuals of the Cuban religion of Regla de Ocha, also known as Santeria. Regla de Ocha is a syncretism of West African Yoruba spirituality and Catholicism, along with some non-Yoruba African spiritual beliefs (such as some from the Congo) as well as some Native American belief systems. For the majority of us on this trip, this first day was our first encounter with this religion. Another similar, yet distinct, spirituality that we encountered that day was Palo Monte. Palo is another syncretic religion that has influences from Central Africa and also includes strong Native American influences, and a number of priests in Regla de Ocha (termed Santeros / Santeras) are also priests in Palo Mayombe (termed Paleros / Paleras).
Professor Tomas Robaina took us to visit the homes of priests and priestesses of Santeria and Palo who were kind enough to let us view their private altars. Everyone's altar is different - the uniqueness of one's altar is as unique as the person. An altar generally consists of at least five orichas on a shelf or within a cabinet. The altar is likely to include pots for the different orichas. Additionally, mementos, figurines, and offerings are placed on the altars - some of which are permanent, others are not. Offerings - if it is food of some sort - is usually taken off the altar right before it spoils. Different elements of nature may also be placed on the altar depending on the individual needs of the person who possesses the altar. Thus, no two altars are the same. That being said, there are some guidelines that are followed in all the altars we viewed. For examples, Obatala -- the creator oricha-- always sits at the top of the cabinet or shelves of one's altar. The second level is generally devoted to the head oricha of the individual's altars. The third level consists of other orichas as well as another individual's oricha pots that may be living in the home. Equally important, the colors that are associated with each particular oricha are seen in the pots and other mementos. Depending on space, however, this display may take on another shape and orichas may be placed in different parts of the home.
One of the altars we looked at was of an older woman who had it in her bedroom, right next to her bed. An oricha of her son, whom she lived with, was also in her altar. Another altar we looked at seemed to be the grand altar of altars. It was large and possessed almost all of the major orichas that are worshipped in Cuba. A large 8-9 shelved unit took up one wall of the room, and had an oricha pot on each shelf. Some of the shelves included Asian figurines, beaded necklaces, flowers, candles, and even toy dolls. Another altar we saw was Tomasito's. His was also on a corner shelf unit. In comparison to the aforementioned elaborate altar, Tomasito's was much simpler. Accompanying the pots were only two or three other mementos, with little decoration beyond that. The altars were either focal points or simple additions to the homes and said a great deal about their owners. Not only did we learn about Regla de Ocha but we learned much more about the Cuban people.