The Orixa Oxumare embodies the infinite cycle of life, wealth, and transformation. As the deity of rainbows and serpents, Oxumaré bridges the heavens and the earth, conveying messages between the orixás and humanity. Learn more about the principles of Candomble here.
- Day of the Week: His sacred day is Tuesday.
- Color: Oxumaré’s colors are green and yellow, representing the lushness of life and the wealth it brings.
- Festival Day: The festival dedicated to Oxumaré usually takes place on the 24th of August, during the rainy season, highlighting his connection to water and renewal.
- Catholic Saint: Oxumaré is syncretized with Saint Bartholomew, the patron saint of leatherworkers, bookbinders, plasterers, butchers, tanners, and shoemakers.
- Greeting: “Arroboboi Oxumaré!” is a greeting used by his followers, invoking his blessings of prosperity and transformation.
About Oxumaré
Oxumaré is the orixá of movement, cycles, and renewal. He governs the phenomena that embody continuity and change, such as the changing of seasons, the circulation of blood in the body, and the arc of a rainbow. Oxumaré symbolizes wealth and prosperity, bringing fortune and abundance to his followers. His dual nature is also reflected in his ability to transform himself from a serpent, crawling on the earth, to a rainbow, arcing across the sky.
Appearance of Oxumaré
Oxumaré is often depicted as a serpent that can stretch across the sky to form a rainbow. In artworks and representations within Candomblé, he is shown as a majestic snake or a rainbow with vibrant green and yellow colors. Sometimes, Oxumaré is portrayed in human form, wearing garments that shimmer with the colors of his domain, embodying his ethereal and transformative nature.
Attributes of Oxumaré
As the lord of cycles and transformation, Oxumaré’s attributes include the rainbow, the serpent, and a double-headed axe that symbolizes his ability to bring about change and ensure continuity. His connection to wealth is often represented by coins and treasures. Oxumaré’s ability to move between the realms of the earth and the heavens is a testament to his role as a messenger and mediator among the orixás.
Myths about Oxumaré
Oxumaré and the Dry Season
One myth recounts how the world once suffered from a severe drought, with the land parched and life hanging by a thread. Oxumaré, moved by the suffering of humanity, transformed into a giant serpent and ascended to the heavens. There, he filled his mouth with water from celestial rivers and returned to earth, spreading the life-giving waters across the land and ending the drought. This story highlights Oxumaré’s role as a bringer of rain and sustenance.
The Transformation Cycle
Another significant myth describes Oxumaré’s unique cycle of transformation. For six months of the year, he lives as a serpent, sliding along the earth and embracing its riches. For the other six months, he becomes a rainbow, arcing across the sky, connecting the heavens and the earth. This cycle symbolizes the balance between material wealth and spiritual elevation, teaching the importance of harmony and renewal.
Oxumaré’s Quest for Riches
A tale tells of Oxumaré’s desire to gather all the world’s wealth. His quest led him to travel the earth as a serpent, amassing treasures. However, he soon realized that true wealth comes from the balance of giving and receiving. To remind humanity of this lesson, Oxumaré spreads his colors across the sky as a rainbow, symbolizing the promise of renewal and the cyclical nature of prosperity.
Sons of Oxumaré
The “sons of Oxumaré” are his devotees, believed to embody his qualities of beauty, wealth, and the ability to navigate changes gracefully. These individuals are known for their resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of balance in their lives. They honor Oxumaré through rituals, offerings, and by embracing the cycles of change and renewal in their personal development.
Exu – Intermediary & Guardian of the Crossroads
Iansa – Warrior Goddess of Wind and Storms
Oxossi – Hunting and the Forest
Leave a Reply