Cuban Lucumi Practice Essay
Yoruba Religion: A Closer Look at the Cuban Lucumi Practice
Joanna Navarro Carlos Albizu University
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to provide a better understating of general details about the Lucumi religion in Cuba. Yoruba religion is often perceived as evil or practiced by non-educated people, but such stereotypes are just misconceptions. All religions follow rules, customs, ceremonies, and are the source of discrepancies among non-believers. Lucumi practice is no exception. The Yoruba religion has its roots in Nigeria, Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by slaves during the slave trading years. Yoruba practices incorporate names and customs of Catholicism and French spiritualism. It is categorized as a syncretized religion because it merged with the Roman …show more content…
The devotee perceives Kari Ocha as protection and new way of life. The person usually seeks this ritual in order to restore order in his or her life and/or find solutions to spiritual or physical unbalances. After the completion of the ceremony, and the successful accomplishment of the Iyaworaje, the Olosha expects to be more prosperous, healthy, emotionally balanced, and in tune with his or her Orisha Guardian Angel. (Santeria Cubana, n.d).
However, having the Orisha crowned does not mean that everything will be perfect in the person’s life without effort, perseverance, respect, and obedience on his or her part. Lucumi religion always aims towards providing the devotee protection and support in whatever the problem might be, but the practice does not deny important factors such as seeking medical help, preparing in life with a career or getting a job. The person is also responsible for his or her own actions and should practice the religion with love, harmony, and respect towards others without bringing harm to no one (Santeria Cubana,
Joanna Navarro Carlos Albizu University
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to provide a better understating of general details about the Lucumi religion in Cuba. Yoruba religion is often perceived as evil or practiced by non-educated people, but such stereotypes are just misconceptions. All religions follow rules, customs, ceremonies, and are the source of discrepancies among non-believers. Lucumi practice is no exception. The Yoruba religion has its roots in Nigeria, Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by slaves during the slave trading years. Yoruba practices incorporate names and customs of Catholicism and French spiritualism. It is categorized as a syncretized religion because it merged with the Roman …show more content…
The devotee perceives Kari Ocha as protection and new way of life. The person usually seeks this ritual in order to restore order in his or her life and/or find solutions to spiritual or physical unbalances. After the completion of the ceremony, and the successful accomplishment of the Iyaworaje, the Olosha expects to be more prosperous, healthy, emotionally balanced, and in tune with his or her Orisha Guardian Angel. (Santeria Cubana, n.d).
However, having the Orisha crowned does not mean that everything will be perfect in the person’s life without effort, perseverance, respect, and obedience on his or her part. Lucumi religion always aims towards providing the devotee protection and support in whatever the problem might be, but the practice does not deny important factors such as seeking medical help, preparing in life with a career or getting a job. The person is also responsible for his or her own actions and should practice the religion with love, harmony, and respect towards others without bringing harm to no one (Santeria Cubana,