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The role of food in Candomblé’s healing rituals
Patricia Rodrigues de Souza PhD. Student Pontifical Catholic University – São Paulo – Brazil
Candomblé in the spiritual healing scenario
A devotee during initiation ritual
Most people who are initiated in Candomblé did it because they first looked for some kind healing most people who are initiated in Candomblé did it because they first looked for some kind healing: - Diseases - Sentimental issues - Financial and professional issues
More of an alternative healing, less of a religion.
Mãe de Santo (mother of saint) Candomblé Priestess consulting the cowry shells oracle
Food as a vehicle of Axé, materialized deities (orixás) and their power
Oxalá ”Zeus”
Orixá (deity) of Creation, He is above other Orixás Also the god of peace White corn is his food
Iemanjá “Hera”
Sea Goddess.
Motherhood, fertility.
Fisherman’s patroness.
Oxalá’s wife.
Ogum “Ares”
God of Iron and War Weapons and war Tools and work
Exu “Dionysus”
Crossroads
Trickster
Sex, alcohol
Creativity, fertility
Obaluaê “Asclepius”
Healing god Life and death domains Smallpox
Ebó Offering
The role of food in Candomblé
