It is impossible to find even a small segment of art, customs, and traditions in Cuba that does not contain a trace of Africa. In fact, Cuban gods are closely related to African gods, with their beliefs and spiritual and Santeria rules.
The integration of the country has been underway for centuries; the contributions of the two races have been equally vigorous. On the one hand, Spanish blood mixed with that of the Arabs and Moors; on the other, the African blood of the former black slaves. The mixture of the two bloodlines is evident in all Cubans.
Image gallery of Cuban gods
Cuban gods
In the following article, we will show you as accurately as possible the type of culture that is forming in Cuba today, under the influence of modern civilization, which plays an important role in the development of the nation.
1.- Changó
The god of war in the Lucumi belief system, identified with the Catholic Saint Barbara; his color is red.
2.- Ochosí
Cuban god of hunting, who also represents justice.
3.- Elegguá
The god of roads. Elegguá is actually three gods in one: Echú, Laroyé, and Elegguá.
4.- Babalú – Ayé
A warrior god and a leper who was expelled from the land of the Yoruba and later reigned in the land of the Congo. He is the brother of Changó and is identified with Saint Lazarus in Catholicism.
5.- Yemayá
Goddess of the seas, owner and creator of the world. Her color is blue. She was Changó’s first lover and also his adoptive mother.
6.- Güije
A type of gnome that lives under river bridges. He is a mischievous and evil spirit. A poem describes Güijes as “dwarfs with huge belly buttons” and speaks of “their short, twisted legs and large, straight ears.” The Güije has the power to change shapes and be ubiquitous.
7.- Oggún
The god of iron, owner of weapons and machinery. A warrior, his color is purple.
8.- Orula
The magician who owns the divination board and the necklace.
9.- Aleph
God, the supreme creator.
10.- Obatalá
Goddess of purity and representative of Olofi. She is the “owner of all heads” and the only one capable of communicating directly with Olofi when he comes down “the road of Osán Guiriñán.” Obatalá is the equivalent of Our Lady of Mercy.
11.- Oyá
Goddess of cemeteries, identified with the Catholic Candelaria.
12.- Icú
Death, works for “Oyá” who presides over cemeteries.
13.- Ochún
Known among the Cuban gods as the goddess of beauty, prosperity, fertility, and love. She is the youngest of the saints, protector of the poor, mother of the sick, and queen of rivers and fresh water.
Conclusion
Suffice it to say that the religious customs and beliefs of Afro-Cubans as practiced today on the island contain no remnants of cannibalism or witchcraft. The only “human sacrifice” involved is the payment of “fees,” as required by the Babalao.
