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Dança dos Orixás

In the terreiro (places of worship in Candomblé), a xirê (which means circle and pronounced ‘shee-RAY’) is a dance ceremony (usually open to the public) that is held to invoke the orixás as a part of Candomblé ritual. The initiated dance for the orixás and the orixás enter and dance through the bodies of the initiates through trance. When the orixá manifests through the initiate, the initiate is dressed elaborately in full regalia as the orixá. The orixá is returned to the public circle and continues to dance while others cheer, sing, and greet the orixá. The orixá may offer advice and healing to many people that are in attendance.

Each orixá has its own dance movements, greetings, songs, and drum rhythms, many of which are showcased in non-religious performances, and even Afro-Brazilian dance classes, and other folkloric events. In the video below, Balé folclórico da Bahia performs dances for Ogum, Oxum, Obaluayê, Iansã (Oya), Oxossi, and Oxalá (Obatala) respectively.

 

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Dia de Finados or Dia dos Mortos

O Dia de Finados, or Dia dos Mortos (also known as the Roman Catholic, All Souls Day), is celebrated as a national holiday every year on November 2. In Brazil, Finados is considered a national holiday. The day is meant to honor loved ones who have died. Many Brazilians will visit the cemeteries where they will leave offerings of flowers and light candles for their loved ones. Some also sing hymns and pray for the souls of the dearly departed. Others use the day to hold a cookout and invite friends and family over for gathering.

Unlike in Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, Dia de Finados in Brazil, is not celebrated as a party. Finados is a somber day to pray for the dead. The idea is to remember and celebrate the life of loved ones.

In Candomblé houses, Omolú is the orixá that ushers those passing from life to death. He also is the owner of the cemetery and is sometimes propitiated on this day.

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Obaluayê

August 16 is generally when many celebrate the feast for Omolu/Obaluayê (who is associated with St. Lazarus and St. Roche).

Obaluayê (oh-baloo-ai-YAY) is the praise name meaning “King of the Earth” and is strongly associated with infectious disease and healing, as well as the earth itself. Legend has it that Obaluayê was born to Nanã Buruku who abandoned him as a baby as he had wounds all over his body. Yemanjá found him and covered him in straw and took care of him as her own. Because of that, he became the orixá of diseases and the healing of them. Also referred to as Omolu, meaning “son of the Lord of Heaven”, the orixá’s face is thought to be so scarred by disease and so terrifying that he appears covered with a raffia/straw masquerade that covers his whole body. “Atotô” is said to greet this orixa, and grains and popcorn are common offerings.