Oshosi

Candomblé

Oshosi is the spirit associated with the hunt, forests, animals, and wealth. He is spirit of meals, because it is he who provides food. He is associated with lightness, astuteness, wisdom, and craftiness in the hunt. He is the orisa of contemplation, loving the arts and beautiful things. He hunts with a bow and arrow (called an ofá), hunting for good influences and positive energies. Animals sacrificed to Oxóssi rituals are goat, cooked pig, and guinea fowl. The salutation of Ososi in the yoruba tradition is "Èku, aro".

Characteristics:

• Consecrated day: Thursday
• Color: blue in the Ketu nation, otherwise green
• Ritual garment: blue
• Sacred food: axoxô (maize cooked with coconut), black beans, yams, roasted cowpeas (of the subspecies Vigna sinensis)
• Necklace: blue beads
• Archetype: power, domain
• Symbols: bow and arrow

Oxóssi is syncretized with Saint Sebastian in the Rio de Janeiro region, the patron saint of the city. He is associated with Saint George in the Bahia region.