1. Santeria Divya, Arie, Mike

2. History Translated from Spanish: “Worship of the Saints” The founder of Santeria is not known However, its origins come from a Western African religion and was brought to the Nigeria when the slave trade took place. It was combined with Christianity and popular among many slaves. It started in Cuba and Brazil. The religion was founded in about 1515 C.E.

3. Books Although the religion is very old and spiritual there are no sacred books, most of the religions stories have been passed down orally. There are many books about the religion and rituals, none of which are considered sacred though.

4. Basic Beliefs of Santerians “The Santeria faith teaches that every individual has a destiny from God, a destiny fulfilled with the aid and energy of the orishas.The basis of the Santeria religion is the nurture of a personal relation with the orishas, and one of the principal forms of devotion is an animal sacrifice. According to Santeria teaching, the orishas are powerful but not immortal. They depend for survival on the sacrifice.” -Justice Kennedy, 1993

5. Beliefs of Santeria The religion focuses on building relationships between human beings and Orishas. An Orisha is a manifestation of Olodumare (God).The orisha must be worshipped throughout one’s life Followers believe that: – these Orishas will give them help in life –enable them to achieve the destiny that Olodumare planned for them before they were born.

6. Main Orishas

7. Beliefs of Santeria Continued The relationship between followers and Orishas is very much a mutual relationship. The Orishas need to be worshipped by human beings in order to exist. There is thought to be about 300,000 followers in the US according to http://www.education.miami.edu/ep/littlehava na/Santeria/Leonidas_1/leonidas_1.html http://www.education.miami.edu/ep/littlehava na/Santeria/Leonidas_1/leonidas_1.html

8. Main Orishas- Another depictionof the orishas

9. Rituals of Santeria The orisha is vital to rites and magic that is preformed in Santeria –Rituals involve the use of herbs, roots, flowers, plants and animals –Ritual supplies can be purchased in stores known as “botanicas” One major ritual is a bembé. This ceremony invites the Orisha to join the community in drumming, singing and dancing.

10. Rituals continued Santeria rituals also requires sacrificing birds and a variety of animals –Saints are “fed” their favorite animal –The blood of roosters, turtles and goats are the most common offerings to orishas Santeria rituals are performed to resolves conflicts within and between people –Rituals are said to be able to heal physical, emotional and social disabilities

11. Bembe

12. Figures of Santeria Figures and idol worship are not as common as spiritual worship. It is, however, allowed. Below are a few examples of iconic worship

13. Works Cited Boricua, John. "Santeria Religion: What is Santeria?."Boricua.com:For Puerto Ricans, by Puerto Ricans. N.p., 2009. Web. 19 Jan 2012.. "Just what is Santeria?....". N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan 2012.. Godoy, A., and R. Martinez. Afro-carribean religion: specifically cuba. N.p., 2011. Web. 19 Jan 2012.. Santeria. N.p., 2006. Web. 19 Jan 2012.. "Types of Religions." Santeria. N.p., 01 0. Web. 19 Jan 2012.. Yañez, B.. SanterÍa. AfroBorinquen Culture, 2011. Web. 19 Jan 2012..