African-based religions such as Kantomblé and Umbanda have a diverse hierarchical structure, reflecting the complexity of their traditions. Among the major positions in the landscape of these religions are Oka, Ekadi, Father and Holy Mother, Father and Little Mother, and Kambonos.
Each function is essential to ensure the smooth running of operations at Terero. These positions are responsible for different aspects of teriro's life, from the performance of rituals to the administration of daily routines.
Collaboration and coordination between these roles is necessary to ensure that the traditions and teachings of African-based religions are preserved and respected, and to maintain the harmony and effectiveness of operations.
Big Lies About African-Based Religions
Saint's mother and father
The terms Mãe and Pai de Santo are also called Ialorixá and Babalorixá and are used to refer to the spiritual leaders responsible for leading the practices and rituals of the religion in Cantambale and Umbanda.
A pie de santo is a male religious leader who holds a position of authority in a terroir. He is responsible for leading rituals, guiding community members and ensuring that religious traditions and practices are followed properly. A Pai de Santo conducts spiritual counseling and guides the children of the saint.
With the role of leading religious ceremonies, guiding and teaching teriro members, the religious leader May de Santo plays a role similar to that of Pi de Santo, but in a female context. He assumes spiritual and administrative leadership in teriro and is also responsible for performing rituals and ceremonies.
Ogã e Ekedi
Ogã is a member who plays an important role in the maintenance and execution of rituals. Typically, this position is held by a man who assists the high priest, the pia de santo, in various tasks, including the preparation and arrangement of sacred elements and ritual objects. The oka may be responsible for singing and playing rhythms during rituals and supporting the pai de santo in conducting ceremonies.
The ekadi is an important person, usually a woman, who is responsible for taking care of more specific aspects of worship. He may be responsible for organizing rituals, sessions, reception of members and visitors and maintaining order and cleanliness in the Terero. Both these positions are specific to Candomble.
Little mommy and little daddy
In Umbanda, the titles Mãe Pequena and Pai Pequeno refer to religious leaders who are in the learning and training stage. These individuals are usually beginners in spiritual practice, and their responsibilities include assisting more experienced holy fathers and mothers in rituals and rites.
They learn about conducting spiritual work and managing terroir, with the aim of preparing themselves to take on leadership roles in the future.
However, in Candomble, these terms are not used. The leadership structure and responsibilities in Candomblé are organized differently with specific roles such as Ogã and Ekedi.
Camponos
Kambonos are prepared and consecrated media, and have a specific role in Umbanda rituals. They not only help with practical tasks but are also interpreters of messages from spiritual entities. During ceremonies and sessions, they are responsible for understanding and communicating the messages and guidelines the organizations convey to leaders and participants.
In addition, camponos take care of the companies' personal belongings and ensure they are available and in good condition during the festivities. The actions of Camponos are important to ensure that the spiritual communication is effective and that all the details of the ritual are carefully managed. In Gandomb, the position most similar to Kambonos is Egedi.