December 8th is a very important day in Brazil for followers of African-based religions Umbanda and Candomblé. It is the day of Oxum (also known as Oshun), one of the important entities of these religions. Today we are going to learn more about these African religions and beliefs which are so significant in Brazil. And if you want to learn more about religion in Brazil, we have the Dica just for you.
Who is she?
Oxum is one of the most famous and worshiped deities in the African religions, along with Iemanjá. She is the goddess of divinity, femininity, fertility, beauty and love. She is also known as the deity that represents the rivers, and that is why the Osun River, in Nigeria, is named after her. This deity also had an important role in the creation of humanity. Olodumare (God) sent 17 orixas (deities) to Earth to being life. Oxum was the only woman among those 17. The others, all male, tried to revive and give life to the Earth, just as Olodumare had instructed, but didn’t manage to do so. So, they asked for Oxum’s assistance, and she agreed to help them. Using her powers, represented mostly by the water, she brought life back to Earth and humanity and other species into existence.
Oxum is very important, especially for women in these religions. As she represents fertility, many women ask Oxum to help them get pregnant, even when they are infertile. They also look for her when there is drought, as it controls the fresh water that helps to fertilize the fields.
Oxum in Candomblé and Umbanda: Are There Differences?
Yes! Although Candomblé and Umbanda are both African-Brazilian religions, they are not the same, and each includes different traditions and practices.
In Candomblé, the orixás occupy a central place in religious worship. Their significance is expressed through rituals, songs, traditional stories, and teachings passed down within religious communities.
In Umbanda, Oxum is also revered in many religious communities. However, her role and the ways she is honored depend on the spiritual and ritual traditions of each terreiro.
A terreiro is a religious and community space where followers gather to practice their faith.
It is important to remember that there is no single explanation that represents every Candomblé or Umbanda community. Practices and interpretations may vary among different houses, nations, and religious traditions.
Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the diversity and richness of African-Brazilian religions.
Oxum Day Celebrations
Now that we know who Oxum is, let’s talk about how the African-based religions, Umbanda and Candomblé, celebrate the Day of Oxum. Not only in Rio de Janeiro, but also in several other cities in Brazil, the faithful get together to celebrate Oxum Day through meetings in the terreiros. Terreiros are the places that people gather to worship in these religions, and would be the equivalent of a church. There they pray, sing, play instruments and worship Oxum. There is also the preparation of offerings, which are then taken to places near waterfalls. These offerings consist of white or blue candles, flowers and fruits, which are very pleasing to Oxum. If you go to a terreiro on Oxum’s Day, you can say hi to people by using Oxum’s salutation: “Ora iê iê ô”.
Oxum and Brazilian Culture: Music, Art and Heritage
Oxum’s importance goes far beyond religious ceremonies.
She is also present in Brazilian music, art, literature, and other cultural expressions.
Throughout Brazilian history, African and African-Brazilian traditions have influenced the country’s cultural identity, contributing to its artistic expressions, celebrations, and collective memory.
Oxum appears in songs, visual artworks, stories, and cultural manifestations that reflect the importance of African heritage in Brazil.
When learning about these references, it is essential to remember that religious symbols have specific meanings for the people who practice these traditions.
Learning about Oxum is an opportunity to appreciate the historical and cultural contributions of African and African-Brazilian communities without reducing sacred practices to tourist attractions or simple curiosities.
Understanding these traditions also helps us recognize the importance of religious respect and cultural diversity in Brazil.
Oxum’s Pray
Despite not being considered a holiday in itself, the day of Oshun is very important for people of this faith. Here we have selected one of the many prayers for Oxum, so that you can see how prayers for her are made:
“Senhora da beleza e fertilidade, cobre meus caminhos com beleza e amor, tornando minha vida mais fértil em todas as áreas. Não permitas que eu chore mais por amor, abençoa meu coração! Trazei suas bênçãos para minha vida, atenda meus pedidos (faça seu pedido aqui) para que eu encontre a beleza, a harmonia e a riqueza que somente a Senhora das Cachoeiras dá a seus filhos.”
“Lady of beauty and fertility, cover my paths with beauty and love, making my life more fertile in all areas. Don’t let me cry anymore for love, bless my heart! Bring your blessings into my life, answer my requests (place your request here) so that I find the beauty, harmony and richness that only the Lady of Waterfalls gives to her children.”
Oxum Day Ritual
Most people do some sort of ritual on the day of their orixa. We have selected one of Oxum’s rituals so you can do it at home on December 8th to celebrate this incredible deity, and share the faith of Brazilian people! Take a look at what you are going to need:
- Calendula or petals of a yellow rose
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
This is known as Oxum’s Bath. You must boil 1 liter of water, and then add the rosemary and chamomile. Take off the heat and add the calendula or the yellow petals and cover the infusion with a plate. After 5 minutes, you can pick up this solution and take to your bath with you. After cleaning yourself, throw it from the neck down. Many people say they feel great after it!
Cultural Vocabulary: Learn Portuguese Through Oxum’s Traditions
Learning about Oxum is also an excellent opportunity to expand your Portuguese vocabulary related to Brazilian culture and religion.
Here are some important words and expressions:
Orixá — Orisha / Divine Being
A divinity revered in religious traditions of African origin. Its specific meaning depends on the religion and community.
Águas doces — Freshwater
Water found in rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, as opposed to saltwater from the sea.
Terreiro — Religious Community Space
A place where followers of African-Brazilian religions gather for ceremonies, religious activities, and community life.
Ancestralidade — Ancestry / Ancestral Heritage
The relationship with ancestors, collective memory, and knowledge transmitted across generations.
Oferenda — Offering
A ritual act or symbolic element whose meaning depends on the religious tradition and context.
Abebé — Ceremonial Fan or Mirror-Like Object
A symbolic object associated with Oxum in certain religious representations and traditions.
Respeito religioso — Religious Respect
Recognizing people’s right to practice and express their religious beliefs without discrimination.
Intolerância religiosa — Religious Intolerance
Prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against individuals or communities because of their religious beliefs.
Examples of Portuguese Sentences About Oxum
Oxum é um orixá associado às águas doces.
Oxum is an orixá associated with freshwater.
O Dia de Oxum é celebrado em 8 de dezembro por muitos devotos.
Oxum Day is celebrated on December 8 by many devotees.
O terreiro é um espaço importante para a comunidade religiosa.
The terreiro is an important space for the religious community.
Precisamos respeitar todas as religiões.
We need to respect all religions.
A ancestralidade africana faz parte da cultura brasileira.
African ancestral heritage is part of Brazilian culture.
What about you? Do you often celebrate religious festivities? Tell us in the comments what is your favorite religious holiday! And if you want to get to know more about Brazil, and its culture, you can always study portuguese with us!
Ora iê iê ô!
Rio & Learn.
Click on the links below to see more related Dicas:
Brazil and Religion
Spiritism in Brazil
Candomblé in Brazil
Iemanjá
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes
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