Santeria The Survival Of An Ancient African Religion
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Religion.
Santeria: The Resilience of an Ancient African Faith
Summary:
Santeria is often misunderstood as a strange mix of primitive beliefs and Roman Catholicism. It's sometimes seen as a sinister version of Voodoo involving zombies and animal sacrifices, unsettling to those from Western religious backgrounds. However, Santeria is a legitimate religion with deep historical roots.
Article:
Santeria is frequently misperceived as an odd fusion of pagan beliefs and Roman Catholicism, regarded by some as a dangerous offshoot of Voodoo with unsettling rituals. Yet, the core of Santeria is far less menacing. It is a recognized religion with deep historical roots.
During European colonization, many enslaved people brought to the New World were Yorubas from what is now Nigeria. They practiced a sophisticated religion centered around multiple Orishas, entities similar to saints in Christianity, or lesser deities in other polytheistic beliefs. The Yorubans understood Ashe, the life force present in everyone, and engaged in various rituals and celebrations.
Slaveholders, wary of Yoruban customs conflicting with their Christian beliefs, sought to suppress these practices. European colonists and the Catholic Church aimed to convert enslaved people to Christianity, perceiving Yoruban rituals as a threat.
However, the religion now known as Santeria survived by adapting. Yoruban enslaved people continued to honor the Orishas, disguising them as Catholic saints. While overt Yoruban rituals were forbidden, praying before images of saints was allowed. In reality, these prayers were directed to the Orishas. This adaptation is the origin of the name Santeria, meaning "worship of the saints" in Spanish.
The Yorubans also maintained other aspects of their faith in secrecy, preserving its essence. This historical secrecy has contributed to the mystery surrounding Santeria today.
Santeria includes elements unfamiliar to some Western religious perspectives, such as mysticism and occasional animal sacrifices, primarily of chickens. However, viewing the faith as dark and malevolent is a misconception. Santeria embodies the endurance of a peaceful and ancient African tradition, persisting against significant challenges. It remains practiced in many Caribbean regions and the United States today.
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