December 4 is the feast day of Shango—god of thunder and lightning.

What are the beliefs of Shango?

Like all of the Yoruba gods (orishas), Shango is both a deified ancestor and a natural force, both aspects being associated with a cult and a priesthood. The ancestral Shango was the fourth king of the town of Oyo.

What is Shango power?

Shango is the deity, orisha whose power is imaged by thunder and lightning. As the legendary fourth king of the ancient kingdom of Oyo, Shango's rule was marked by capricious use of power.

Who is Shango and Oshun?

Other myths hold that Oshun is one of the wives of Shango, the god of thunder. She is commonly described as the favourite of all orishas by Olodumare, because of her beauty and sensuality. In yet another Yoruba story, Oshun is depicted as the goddess who not only gives life but also takes it.

Who is Shango favorite wife?

American folklorist William Bascom notes: “Oya is the favourite wife of Shango, the only wife who remained true to him until the end, leaving Oyo with him and becoming a deity when he did. She is Goddess of the Niger River, (Odo Oya), but she manifests herself as the strong wind that precedes a thunderstorm.”

Shango's Feast Day, Part 2 - Understanding

How strong is Shango?

Superhuman Strength: As an Orisha, Shango is the strongest of them. His strength enables to overpower any normal human and most other races (not Progeny) with relative ease. Shango is in the class 100 strength level.

What does Shango carry in his hand?

Among the objects used to honor the Yoruba god of thunder, Shango, is the oshe Shango, or dance wand. It is carried by Shango priests and devotees during public worship activities and enshrined on the deity's altar. ... This ritual object was originally carved from the àyàn tree on which Shango committed suicide.

What is Oshuns day?

Celebrate the feast day of Oshun (September 8) with her altar essentials.

Was Thor based on Shango?

The Marvel superhero known as Thor shares many of Shango's characteristics. Thor of Norse (Germanic) mythology resembles Shango in just about every way except complexion! The above left image is the cover of a Marvel comic book. Illustrator Jack Kirby first sketched Thor in 1962.

What is Shango Dance?

'Shango's Dance' combines the powerful rhythms and chants from the Santería & Yoruba religious tradition with the art of improvised music. Transforming the ancient songs and dances the Cubans used to worship their West African ancestors and gods into something new.

How did Shango become a god?

In repentance, he left his kingdom and traveled to Koso, where he hung himself. When his enemies cast contempt upon his name, a rash of storms destroyed parts of Oyo. Shango's followers proclaimed him a god and said the storms were Shango's wrath, avenging his enemies.

Who is King Shango?

Clifton George Bailey III (born 13 April 1967), better known by his stage name Capleton, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist. He is also referred to as King Shango, King David, The Fireman and The Prophet. His record label is called David House Productions.

What is Shango the god of?

In Brazil, Shango is worshipped as a thunder and weather god by the Umbandists and also In Santeria, Shango (Chango) is the equivalent of the Catholic saint St. ... Barbara. Magic, thunder and lightning characterized his reign as the fourth ruler of the kingdom of Oyo.

Who is Aganju?

In Yoruba mythology, Aganju is the Orisha of volcanos, the wilderness, and the river. He is associated with Saint Christopher. As the third Òrìsà said to have come to earth, Aganjú is an Òrìsà of great antiquity.

Who is Sango's first wife?

He had three wives, Olori Oba, his first, Olori Osun (Oshun) and Olori Oya. Of all three wives, he loved Osun the most because she was the best cook. Oba, wanting to regain her spot as Sango's favourite decided to ask Osun how she managed to keep Sango so happy with her meals.

Who is Oya married to?

Oya is often described as the tempest, the winds of destruction, change and progress. She is the orisha of rebirth and is often depicted with her husband Shango.

What is a daughter of Oshun?

Jenmi; Daughter of Oshun. Oshun is a Nigerian Yoruba Orisha, a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God in the Ifá and Yoruba religions. She is one of the most popular Orisha's and the only female irunmole (primordial) sent to set up the world by Olodumare.

Why does Oshun wear yellow?

Oshun is a goddess of love and beauty. ... She's also associated with wealth and is said to love shiny things. She's often represented draped in yellow. “Oshun exudes sensuality and all the qualities associated with fresh, flowing river water,” wrote Oshun follower Valerie Mesa for Vice in 2018.

Was Oshun a mermaid?

In the majority of depictions, Oshun is shown as a sensual, charming, beautiful, and coquettish woman. She is often adorned with gold jewellery, bracelets and beads, mirrors, and other elaborate decorations. In some portrayals, she also has the tail of a mermaid, perhaps in ode to her connection with water.

Who is the choreographer of Shango?

Dunham's choreography for Shango included elements from the Yoruba cult of Trinidad, the Rada-Dahomey cult of Haiti, and Santería of Cuba. The work began with a stylized introduction of dancing, which led into a ceremony of sacrifice to Shango, thunder god of the Yoruba people.

How many Orisha are there?

Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orisha, which is associated with a sacred number. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more – an innumerable number". Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orisha.

What is Yemaya?

Yemaya: Orisha of the Oceans

Yemaya is the orisha of the surface of the ocean. She is the other half of Olokun, sometimes a sister and sometimes a wife (sometimes, both deities are androgynous). While Olokun is the Keeper of Secrets and rules over the depths of the ocean, Yemaya presides over the surface waters.