Orisha Forces of Nature

Orisha Forces of Nature

Brief description/definition of Orisha, or Forces of Nature from Nigeria and Cuba.

© Raíces Cultural Center

en

EFMI_Orishas_Infosheet_2011.pdf

The Orisha traditions and belief systems, while originating in Africa, are now practiced worldwide. This evolution of these traditions in Cuba is an example of hte meshing of African and European cultures. Practitioners of Orisha belief systems were brought from Yorubaland in Nigeria during the transatlantic slave trade and kept their traditions alive throughout the Caribbean and the diaspora, often disguising their traditional forces of nature with avatars of Catholic Saints.

Orisha are not gods or deities. In Ochá there is only one God called "Olodumare" or "Olofin" and many aspects of god or natural forces which are known as Orisha.

Each Orisha has many roads or paths, just as each force of nature can behave in different ways at different times.

Those who believe in and are devoted to the Orisha are called Aborisha. Those initiated as priests and priestesses of the religion are called Olorisha.

Orisha belief has spread throughout the world and is practiced by people of all cultures.

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