Santeria, also known as Yoruba, Lukumi, or Orisha, was originally
brought to the Americas from Africa by enslaved peoples destined
for the Caribbean and South America. By the late 1980s it was
estimated that more than 70 million African and American people
participated in, or were familiar with, the various forms of
Santeria, including traditional religions in Africa, Vodun in
Haiti, Candomble in Brazil, Shango religion in Trinidad, Santeria
in Cuba and, of course, variants of all of these in the United
States. Today, there are practitioners around the world including
Europe and Asia. Because of the secretive nature of the religion,
it has been difficult to get accurate and objective information,
but here, Clark introduces readers to the religion, explores the
basic elements, including the Orisha, and answers the many
questions Santeria arouses in observers and practitioners alike.
Santeria was brought to the United States in two principle waves,
one in the early 1960s after the Cuban Revolution and later by the
Marielitos who escaped from the island in the 1980s. Since then it
has spread to the larger Hispanic community, to the African
American community, and to other segments of society as well.
Today, practitioners can be found in every state, and interest in
Orisha and related traditions has gained popularity. As the number
of practitioners has grown so has public awareness. In this
compelling introduction, Clark answers such questions as where did
this religion come from? What do practioners believe? Is it a cult?
What takes place at a ritual event? How does it view death and the
afterlife? Is there ritual sacrifice? Clark, a practitioner as well
as a scholar of the faith, dispelsthe myths that surround this
religious practice, and brings readers to a better understanding of
this growing faith in America.
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