Santeria African Magic: A Cultural Bridge Between Africa and Latin America

Santeria, an African magical tradition in Latin America, is a syncretic religion that developed from the blending of Yoruba beliefs brought by African slaves to the Americas with Catholicism. It originated in West Africa among the Yoruba people, who were brought as slaves to various parts of the Americas, particularly Cuba, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. Santeria incorporates elements of Yoruba mythology, rituals, and deities, known as Orishas, with Catholicism. It emerged as a way for enslaved Africans to maintain their cultural identity while outwardly practicing Catholicism to appease their colonial masters. The fusion of African and Catholic beliefs and practices gave birth to Santeria, which remains an important aspect of the cultural and religious landscape of Latin America today. The practitioners of Santeria, known as santeros or santeras, believe in the existence of a supreme deity, Olodumare, who created the universe and everything in it.

The practitioners of Santeria, known as santeros or santeras, believe in the existence of a supreme deity, Olodumare, who created the universe and everything in it. They also believe in various Orishas, intermediate deities who represent different aspects of nature and human life. These Orishas are worshipped and revered through prayers, offerings, and rituals.

Santería : African Magic in Latin America

In 1973, the first hardcover edition of Santeria: African Magic in Latin America by cultural anthropologist Migene Gonzalez-Wippler was first published by Julian Press. It became an immediate best seller and is still considered by many experts one of the most popular books on Santeria, having gone through four editions and several translations. Now this beloved classic, written by one of the foremost scholars on the Afro-Cuban religion, has returned in a fifth edition. This time the text has been carefully edited and corrected to incorporate vital new material. The beliefs, the practices, the legends of Santeria are brilliantly brought to life in this exciting and critically acclaimed best seller. If you have ever wondered what Santeria is, if you are curious about the rituals and practices of this mysterious religion, and want to delve in its deepest secrets, read Santeria: African Magic in Latin America. It will answer all the questions and much more.

Другие издания - Просмотреть все

Santería; African Magic in Latin America
Migene González-Wippler
Просмотр фрагмента - 1973

Santería; African Magic in Latin America
Migene González-Wippler
Просмотр фрагмента - 1973

Библиографические данные

Paperback. Condition: Good. This book is a study, reference, or reading copy only. The book has some shelfwear, edge wear, corner wear, light cover creasing. Some underlined passages so good study copy only. ; 5.5 X 0.75 X 8.25 inches; 179 pages.

Santeria rituals often involve the use of music, drumming, dance, and animal sacrifice to communicate with the Orishas and seek their guidance and protection. The animal sacrifices serve as a symbolic exchange between humans and the Orishas, representing the cycle of life and death. Santeria is not only a religious practice but also a way of life for its practitioners. It provides a framework for understanding the world, addressing everyday challenges, and seeking spiritual healing. Through divination, santeros can communicate with the Orishas and seek insight into various aspects of life, including health, relationships, and career. Despite being stigmatized and misunderstood by some, Santeria has gained significant recognition and acceptance in Latin American societies. It has become an integral part of cultural expressions, with its influence seen in art, music, dance, and literature. It continues to thrive and evolve, adapting to the changing social dynamics while preserving its African roots. In conclusion, Santeria is a unique African magical tradition that has flourished in Latin America. It represents the resilience and adaptability of enslaved Africans who carved out a space for their cultural and spiritual practices in the face of oppression. Today, Santeria serves as a means of connection to ancestral heritage and a source of strength and guidance for its followers..

Reviews for "Santeria African Magic as a Tool for Healing and Self-empowerment in Latin America"

1. Jessica Woods - 2 stars

I was very disappointed with "Santeria: African Magic in Latin America." The documentary lacked depth and seemed more focused on showcasing exotic rituals rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of Santeria. The interviews with practitioners felt superficial, and it left me with more questions than answers about the religion's origins and beliefs. Additionally, the pacing of the documentary was slow, and certain scenes dragged on unnecessarily. Overall, I expected a more informative and engaging exploration of Santeria, but this film fell short.

2. Michael Thompson - 1 star

I watched "Santeria: African Magic in Latin America" with high expectations, but it turned out to be a dreadful experience. The production quality was subpar, with poorly shot and edited footage. It was hard to follow the narrative as the documentary lacked a clear structure and failed to provide adequate explanations about the significance of certain rituals and practices. Moreover, the voice-over narration was monotonous and lacked enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would not recommend this documentary to anyone interested in learning about Santeria; it just does not do justice to the subject matter.

3. Amanda Jenkins - 2 stars

"Santeria: African Magic in Latin America" was a letdown for me. The film failed to provide a balanced perspective on Santeria, focusing solely on the mystical and supernatural aspects without exploring the socio-cultural context in which the religion developed. It felt more like a sensationalized display rather than an educational documentary. Additionally, the lack of expert opinions or perspectives from academics or historians made the film feel incomplete. While it did provide some visually captivating scenes, it lacked substance and depth, ultimately leaving me unsatisfied with the overall presentation of Santeria.

Santeria African Magic and its Contemporary Relevance in Latin America