Santeria Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lucumi

The slave trade brought many Africans to Southern USA, Cuba, Haiti, Brazil, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean nations. The slaves called each other "oluku mi" or "my friend" and in Cuba they became known as "Lucumi". The Lucumi people and the language have been heavily influenced by Spanish and Niger-Congo languages.

Answer: Oberon

Olodumare is the Supreme Being, the Father and Creator of all things. Olorun is the owner of Heaven. Olofi, the third manifestation, directly communicates with the Orichas (spirits) and is believed to teach humans to lead moral earthly lives.

Answer: Harmony and righteousness

The Orichas are believed to watch over humans and report actions to Olofi. They have "aché" (spiritual energy) given to them by Olofi, which enables them to maintain harmony and righteousness in the world.

Answer: True

The drums called "bata" are used exclusively for the ceremony (tambor) and are considered sacred. The drummers must undergo training and earn the right to play them. Traditionally, only men are drummers. The drums are three sizes and, as different size drums are used, the rhythms and underlying beats mimic the sounds of the Yoruba people talking to the Orichas.

Answer: False

There are no written or recorded religious teachings in Santeria. Sacred stories, known as "patakis", are passed down orally throughout generations and Santeria depends greatly on these ancestral teachings. Patakis explain basic principles of Santeria through stories about the Orichas, usually describing their lives while on earth, interactions with each other and humans and their relationships with God.

Answer: necklaces

The elekes are blessed and given by a godparent after a ceremony. They represent the aché of the Oricha and are sacred. The initiation rite of Santeria is a lengthy process sometimes taking years. During that time a deep relationship develops between the godparent and godchild, as well as the community.

Answer: Holy Water

In Cuba Santería is syncretized with Catholicism, and it's commonly believed that holy water or "omilasa" from a church has protective and curative powers which are highly respected. Holy water, known as "agua bendita" is sometimes used in spiritual cleansing baths (in very small quantities).

Answer: warriors

Warriors refer to four Orichas: Eleguá, Ogun, Ochosi and Osun. Those who have the warriors are "medio sentados" or half-way initiated into Santería. The belief is that they live by a person's front door and need to be taken care of every Monday as well as whenever they ask for something via divination. Eleguá is the messenger to the other Orichas and the owner of all doors and roads. Ogún is the Orisha of war and the blacksmith of the Orishas. Ochosi is the hunter of the Orishas and represents the enforcement of justice in the world. And Osun represents a person's head and well being.

Answer: broom

Babalú-Ayé is usually depicted in clothing made of rough fiber with holes, looking very ill. He holds a small broom made from palm and uses it to sweep, thus cleansing and healing himself and other people. Other examples are St. Barbara (Shangó), who embodies justice and strength, and is associated with lightning and fire and Our Lady of Charity (Ochún) - the Yoruba goddess of the river, associated with water, yellow, sweets, money, and love.

Answer: cowrie shells

Cowrie shells which have been consecrated for use strictly by an Oloricha are called "dilogún". The Orichas are believed to bring godparent and godchild together, and the shells are used for that purpose.