Obatala is found in the Candomble rituals that were brought forth to Brazil from Africa when dragging slaves over during the mid 1500’s through the late 1800’s. Although Candomble was a religion followed by slaves during the slave period, now many practice this religion. Over 2 million Brazilians practice Candomble and such rituals, deities and holidays have become part of the Brazilian folklore. “Candomble deities have individual personalities, skills, and ritual preferences, and are connected to specific natural phenomena.” Obatala, “God of Mankind”, is one of the many Gods that are worshipped through this religion. Obatala is known to be the Supreme Being in all the Orishas. He dresses always in all white cloths or robes. In Yoruba language, he is also known as Olodumare, Eledumare, Olodun-Orun, Eleda and Olorun. As a God, Obatala breathes life into human bodies. He has 3 wives; Yemoo, Yemaya and Igbin.
Mythical Story:
Myths about Obatala have been circulating but all of the stories insist on saying that he was in charge of creating Earth. He was ordered by Olorun, who was Sky God. Olorun gave Obatala instructions in the form of blueprints and also gave him materials. A handful of mud, a chain, and a five-toed chicken were given to Obatala to build the Earth. However, Obatala encountered a party when he was traveling to his work space. Obatala was drunk on palm wine, an alcoholic beverage made from palm tree sap like Palmyra and coconut palms; it is also known as “emu” and “oguro” in Nigeria. So since Obatala was wasted, Oduduwa, his brother, saw this as an opportunity for him to gain fame. Oduduwa was so self centered that he began the task very cheaply. A chameleon offered suggestions like lowering the chain over the edge of heaven, place mud and let the chicken start scratching. Through that process was how the Earth was created. Since Oduduwa took over the task and accomplished it with great success, he was named God of the Earth. Obatala was then punished because of his actions and was put to create mankind. Obatala, perhaps is who is to blame for many individuals that are a little misguided. Although people might say that many artist get insights and ideas when they are under the influence of any substance. But Obatala was able to learn from his mistakes and was proclaimed to be the “Great White God of Mankind”. Although he is also “God of the North”, it is not specified is it is the north pole or what.
Obatala is also said to shape humans in the womb. The New World describes him as a saint who is in charge of children, childbirth, albinos, and anyone with a birthmark. “In the New World as in the Old it is said, ‘Obatala marks his children.’”
Dance:
Mythical Story:
Myths about Obatala have been circulating but all of the stories insist on saying that he was in charge of creating Earth. He was ordered by Olorun, who was Sky God. Olorun gave Obatala instructions in the form of blueprints and also gave him materials. A handful of mud, a chain, and a five-toed chicken were given to Obatala to build the Earth. However, Obatala encountered a party when he was traveling to his work space. Obatala was drunk on palm wine, an alcoholic beverage made from palm tree sap like Palmyra and coconut palms; it is also known as “emu” and “oguro” in Nigeria. So since Obatala was wasted, Oduduwa, his brother, saw this as an opportunity for him to gain fame. Oduduwa was so self centered that he began the task very cheaply. A chameleon offered suggestions like lowering the chain over the edge of heaven, place mud and let the chicken start scratching. Through that process was how the Earth was created. Since Oduduwa took over the task and accomplished it with great success, he was named God of the Earth. Obatala was then punished because of his actions and was put to create mankind. Obatala, perhaps is who is to blame for many individuals that are a little misguided. Although people might say that many artist get insights and ideas when they are under the influence of any substance. But Obatala was able to learn from his mistakes and was proclaimed to be the “Great White God of Mankind”. Although he is also “God of the North”, it is not specified is it is the north pole or what.
Obatala is also said to shape humans in the womb. The New World describes him as a saint who is in charge of children, childbirth, albinos, and anyone with a birthmark. “In the New World as in the Old it is said, ‘Obatala marks his children.’”
Dance:
Obatala I honored with dancers imitating the slow movements of the elderly. But if it is to represent the warrior aspect, then Obatala is represented as being on a horse and with a sword. In addition, when he is present he rushes clean all those that are present.
Costume:
Since his focus is purity, then he wears a white robe or cloth and eight ribbons go around hit waist. As a warrior he would have a red sash across his chest and suns and moon would be embroidered in. Obatala’s white cloth signifies the purity, peace and honesty he brings as a God. He can be compared to Jesus Christ because he too signifies peace and purity. Like Xango, Obatala is viewed on a white horse.
Food:
Obatala is honored with white hens, snails, white melon soup, pounded yams, and other white foods such as eko. Eko is just corn in plantain leaves.
Obatala Paths:
There are about 45 different Obatala paths. But a few are:
As a Orisha Aye, Obatala is found is his most calmest stage and is represented with a large shell.
As Orinshala, he is pictured as an old woman wanting a white sheet over her. In this stage, one can be protected from traps.
As Oba Lufon, Obatala is compared to Jesus Christ of Nazareth while symbolizing the sun. In this stage is where he taught ways of sexual practice.
Location:
Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin is where Obatala is mainly praised. He portrays the moral value just like Xango does, through lightning and thunder.
Posted by
Carol Aguilar
Clear, great work Carol. Know that "white" is an approximate translation and really should be cool calm and ancient, like grey hair, which typically a warrior never earns because they are killed before then...
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