WHO IS ELEGUA?

Attributes of Eleguá

Eleguá is an Oricha represented as a child or an old man, symbolizing the beginning and end of life and the opening and closing of the paths of life. Known as a trickster, he likes to play pranks and loves candy and toys. Despite his playful nature, he is a powerful Oricha and one of the Warriors, along with Ogún, Ochosi and Osun. Eleguá is always invoked first in any ceremony, since it controls the doors of communication with the other Orichas.

Eleguá's colors are red and black, and its number is 3 or any multiple of 3. Its day of the week is Monday and the third day of each month. In Cuba, its festivities are January 6 and June 13, often celebrated with a party. In Catholicism, Eleguá is associated with the Child Jesus of Atocha, Saint Anthony of Padua and the Anima Sola (soul in Purgatory). Eleguá is also a good friend of Ochún

Eleguá likes elements associated with children's play, such as kites, whistles, balls and toy soldiers, as well as keys, silver coins, a shepherd's crook and a straw hat . He dresses in red and black, often with Spanish colonial-style knee-length pants, and wears a red scarf, cap, or straw hat. When he dances, he is playful and seeks the attention of others.

In addition to sweets, Eleguá likes cigarettes, toasted corn, coconuts, brandy, white cooking wine, smoked jutía meat, smoked fish and red palm oil. On Mondays you should offer him something he likes as a tribute.

Receiving Eleguá

Through divination with a Santero or Babalawo, a practitioner can discover the need to receive Eleguá, sometimes alone or with the other warriors. In a special ceremony, a stone representing Eleguá is prepared and carried with the Oricha aché, generally forming a head with cowrie eyes and mouth. This stone resides in a shallow clay container, usually behind the door. Receiving Eleguá and the other warriors means being "half-settled," which marks a serious commitment to religion but without full priestly duties.

The Eleguá bead necklace, the eleke, alternates red and black beads, symbolizing life and death, war and peace, and the beginning and the end of all things. Known as the Lord of the Crossroads, Eleguá influences every decision, paving paths or creating obstacles. Maintaining good relations with Eleguá is crucial for practitioners, since nothing is possible without it.

Eshu and Eleguá are closely related but distinct entities, like two sides of the same coin. Eshu is seen as the shadow or reflection of Eleguá, being more wild and unpredictable. While the Santeros keep Eleguá inside the house, usually behind the door, Eshu lives outside, often in the garden or near the main door. Eshu's tricks can be harmful and he is sometimes mistakenly labeled as the devil, although Santería has no devil. Eshu is powerful and can be calmed by food, often with table scraps placed outside. Unlike Eleguá, no one in Santería is crowned with Eshu, and there are no elekes for Eshu. Eshu and Eleguá are metaphorically opposites, they represent the negative and the positive, the darkness and the light, working together to create balance. Eshu is less civilized compared to other Orichá and, in many Ilés, is considered part of Eleguá rather than a separate Orichá. Understanding Eleguá inherently involves understanding Eshu, as they are integral to each other, just like day and night.