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.

St. George, the Dragon Slayer, protector of the weak and defender against all evil. Or is it really him we're celebrating during these traditions and holidays in Rio? / Source St. George, the Dragon Slayer, protector of the weak and defender against all evil. Or is it really him we're celebrating during these traditions and holidays in Rio? / source

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.

Ogum, the real celebrated today, and the one is going to protect you from all harm / Source Ogum, the real celebrated today, and the one is going to protect you from all harm / source

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.

The religious syncretism at a Umbanda House: Jesus as Oxalá, the Virgin Mary as Oxum, St. George as Ogum, and many others / Source The religious syncretism at a Umbanda House: Jesus as Oxalá, the Virgin Mary as Oxum, St. George as Ogum, and many others / source

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?

Each item has its function and none must be missed at a true Feijoada! / source Each item has its function and none must be missed at a true Feijoada! / source

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.

At a Casa de Umbanda, you'll find Mães de Santo and Pais de Santo to help you with your requests and the rituals At a Casa de Umbanda, you'll find Mães de Santo and Pais de Santo to help you with your requests and the rituals / source

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