Caribbean Mythology

The Spirits of Haiti and Cuba

ORICHAS

Cuban Santería Spirits

Spirit Guides

Similar if not identical to the African Orishas.

Both ‘Orisha’ and ‘Oricha’ are valid spellings; we have used both to differentiate the African and Caribbean version. We hope to avoid confusion — but have probably added to it.

Once there were between 400 and 1,700 but you can have too much of a good thing. Cuba decided they had too many Orichas and whittled them down to sixteen. Some of them have been moved on or taken early retirement. The ones not mentioned are mostly the same as the African Spirits from which they are derived. For example, Inle, Obatala, Olokun, Orunmila, Osanyin, Oshosi, Oshun, Shango and Yemaya.

Orichas Facts and Figures

Name: Orichas
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names:

Gender: Male and female
Type: Spirits
Area or people: Cuba
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Many Things
Area of expertise: Many things, lots of stuff

Good/Evil Rating: GOOD, quite approachable
Popularity index: 6832

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Article last revised on May 16, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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