Ṣàngó

How to recognise Ṣàngó

1. Double axe (oshe)A short shaft with two blades set back to back, shaped like ancient stone axe-heads; devotees believe he hurls these from the sky in storms, and the paired blades show that justice looks at both sides.
2. CrownA king's crown, plain gold or tiered, recalls that he is the deified king of Ọ̀yọ́, and Changó dancers wear one too.
3. Red and whiteA red tunic or long shirt with white trim and royal edging carries his colours in Lucumí and Candomblé, though many Umbanda houses use brown instead.
4. Thunderstones (edun ara)Small ancient stone axe-heads, believed to be remains of his lightning, may lie at his feet; priests search for them where lightning strikes.
5. Red and white beadsHis necklace of red and white beads, in groups of four or six, marks devotion to him and is worn by initiates.
6. Regal, moving stanceHe is shown powerful and in motion, a king who is fierce but fair, often before a storm sky with stylised lightning.
7. RamA small ram, one of his regalia animals, may stand beside him.

Names and titles

• Oba Kòso, the King Did Not HangA praise name: 'the king did not hang', saying that he did not die but became an orisha
• Jakuta, Hurler of StonesA praise name for the god who throws thunderstones from the sky
• The Alaafin of OyoHe is remembered as the third king of Ọ̀yọ́ before he became an orisha
• Raising the Oshe in PraiseDevotees raise the double axe high in praise dances, then bring it down like thunder
• Owner of the Batá DrumsIn Cuban Lucumí he is the master of the batá drums, of dance and music

Feast days

• Changó's Day and Santa Bárbara4 December, every year

  Changó's day is the Lucumí (Santería) way of honouring the orisha of thunder, fire, drums and dance on the Catholic feast of Santa Bárbara. Devotees pair them, though Changó and the saint are not historically the same being.

  How it's celebrated. In Cuba, devotees dress in red and white, light candles and bring apples, red wine and flowers. They go to churches such as the National Sanctuary of Santa Bárbara in Párraga, Havana, or to drumming at a santero's home. Palmira's Sociedad Santa Bárbara holds a procession. Some elders say it is not strictly Changó's day.

  Sources: CiberCuba: Cubans celebrate the Day of Santa Bárbara and Changó · CubaNet: Santa Bárbara y Changó · Santería Church: Feast Day of St. Barbara/Changó

• Xangô's Day and São Jerônimo30 September, every year

  Xangô's day is kept by many Candomblé houses, and by Batuque and Umbanda houses, on the Catholic feast of São Jerônimo. Devotees honour the orixá of justice, fire and thunder alongside the saint. It is one of several days for Xangô, and Lucumí devotees keep Changó on 4 December.

  How it's celebrated. Houses prepare amalá, a dish of okra, and offer fruit, candles and fire to the orixá, as their priest or priestess prescribes. Sources say the date is strongest in Bahia and in Rio Grande do Sul's Batuque. The Festa da Pedreira de Xangô in Rio de Janeiro, held since the 1940s, centres on an image of São Jerônimo. Bahian houses vary in which saint they pair with him.

  Sources: Portal Giras de Umbanda: São João também é Xangô na Umbanda · Joia Mística Laroyê: Calendário Litúrgico Afro-Brasileiro · Portal Giras de Umbanda: 16ª Festa de Xangô

• Xangô and São João Batista24 June, every year

  In some Umbanda houses, Xangô is honoured on the feast of São João Batista, joined by the shared symbolism of fire. This is a different day and pairing from the 30 September feast of São Jerônimo, and it is not kept in every tradition.

  How it's celebrated. Terreiros hold giras, offerings and prayers, and light candles and bonfires for Xangô alongside the Festa Junina fires. One account mentions gbègìrì, a dish with okra, palm oil and shrimp, served at the celebrations. Writers note that the June pairing is mainly an Umbanda and popular-faith custom, not a rule in every Afro-Brazilian tradition.

  Sources: Brasil de Fato: É dia de São João e de Xangô · 1banda: Dia de Xangô na Umbanda · Joia Mística Laroyê: Santos juninos e os orixás

• Xangô and São Pedro29 June, every year

  In some Umbanda houses, Xangô is honoured on the feast of São Pedro, which closes the June festivals. Devotees link the saint's keys and rock with the orixá of justice and thunder. It is one of several days for Xangô.

  How it's celebrated. Little detailed ritual is recorded. Houses honour Xangô within the June festivities, often with candles, a salute to the orixá and requests for justice and balance. Sources describe the pairing as strongest in Umbanda and, by one account, in Salvador. Candomblé Ketu houses generally keep Xangô on 30 September instead.

  Sources: Joia Mística Laroyê: Dia de São Pedro e Xangô · Joia Mística Laroyê: Santos juninos e os orixás · Espiritualidade e Umbanda: Dia de Xangô, dia de São Pedro