Traditions and Holidays in Rio: The True St. George's Day in Rio de Janeiro
On the 23rd of April, one of the cariocas' traditions and holidays in Rio takes place: what is officially called St. George’s Day. But don’t get confused with the knight on his white horse and long spear fighting the dragon, as the real reason we celebrate this holiday in Rio is because of a god called Ogum.
Who is Ogum?
Ogum is one of the Orishas (gods) of the Umbanda religion. He’s a fearsome warrior and a mighty protector of the weak and oppressed. He’s also one of Iemanja’s sons and has a major role in maintaining justice in the world.
Why is he disguised as St. George then?
Well, when people came to Brazil as slaves from Africa, they were not allowed to practice their own religion and were christianised by the jesuits. They noticed that many of the saints in Catholicism had similar stories and personalities to the Orishas, so they became devout 'followers' of these saints, whilst secretly worshipping their own gods.
The personality, deeds and story of Ogum matched that of St. George, making it the perfect disguise for the Orisha.
Why am I telling you all this?
Because if you're visiting Rio de Janeiro around this time, it’s the perfect opportunity to ask for protection! As St. George, Ogum also protects his followers from evil, so you can get under his safe guard. So you don't believe in the Umbanda religion? No sweat! All you have to do is honor Ogum by doing one, two or all of these three activities:
1) Eat feijão (beans) and aipim (cassava)
Every Orisha has their specific food and you can honor them by eating it on their day. Beans and Cassava… am I the only one now dreaming of a Feijoada Completa?
2) Go to an Umbanda House
You can search for a Casa de Umbanda (Umbanda House) in order to ask the Orisha himself for a grace and give him your offering. It can be an amazing event, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the Umbanda religion.
3) Get a Patuá
A Patuá is like a talisman that is blessed by Ogum and has the power to protect you from evil, envy and every other bad energy running around in this world. You usually have to go to a Casa de Umbanda for one of these, but you may also find them in Rio's street markets. However, you won’t be able to test its authenticity this way.
So, if you’re in Rio during St. George’s Day - the 23rd of April - be sure not to miss the opportunity to rid your body of all evil under the blessing of this powerful Orisha. That’s our top Carioca tip for today, now you're free to continue with your tours & activities in Rio de Janeiro!
By: Pedro Rocha - Community Manager and Carioca at rdj4u.com
Edited by: Milly Day – English Content Manager
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