There are a variety of religions in Cuba, however, I find those syncretized with Catholicism to be the most interesting. As slaves from Africa were brought to Cuba to work on sugar plantations, many brought something with them..their religious beliefs. As these slaves were taught by their masters Catholicism or Christianity they began to realize their religions had very many things in common. Like Catholicism, their religions believed in a main god with many deities, or saints. With the realization that many of the Catholic saints and their deities or orishas had a lot in common they began to pair the ones with similar characteristics. By doing this, these African slaves were still able to practice their religion but with a cover of "Catholic faith" to keep them safe. Over time the two religions began to synchronize and be taught as one. And thus Santeria was born. As the African influences still outweigh the Catholicism, the minute is an interesting combination. Each orisha has a preferred offering. Some like cash, some rum and some animal sacrifices. As things are prayed for offerings are made in this practice. Palo Monte and Abakuá are also two different Afro-Cubano religions that follow this synchronization.
Sources to check out: http://www.moonsong.us/santeria.html http://santeriachurch.org/the-orishas/ http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/santeria.htm www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKW0Q-dzm1A (This last video is super interesting)
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