December 17, 2003
Babalu Aye
Today, December 17th, is Babalu Aye day in the Afro-Cuban religion. Babalu Aye is the Orisha name for St. Lazarus, who is commonly referred to as the father of the world.
BabaluAye is the Orisha who governs epidemics and heals infectious diseases.
Though originally associated with smallpox, many of today's worshippers
appeal to BabaluAye for healing from HIV/AIDs. His colors are brown, black, and purple. His number is 17. His symbols are two dogs and crutches. He is portrayed dressed in burlap. He is offered white wine, popcorn, sesame seed candy, and a variety of grains, beans, and seeds.
When I first decided to start this blog, I wanted to name it something that was definitely Cuban, yet also known and appealing to a more universal audience. I went through a slew of names from Cubablog to ElianIsn'tHere and everything in between. I had been corresponding with Dean (he is my blogfather) on the blog's start-up and one day he mentioned Desi Arnaz and the Lucy show. Everyone knows the I love Lucy show, everyone knows Ricky Ricardo, and everyone knows he's a bandleader, plays the congas and everyone remembers him singing Babaluuuu.
Thus, this blog became Babalu Blog on that day.
That song that everyone remembers Ricky Ricardo singing is actually a tribute to Babalu Aye, San Lazaro.
So today, dia de San Lazaro, I will light a candle, wear something purple and ask el viejo for peace, health and prosperity. Por si las moscas...
Posted by Val Prieto at December 17, 2003 08:21 AM
Comments
Dude, that is so cool...
--s
Posted by: J.Scott Barnard at December 17, 2003 09:36 AM
I kind of had the feeling you got the name Babalu from Desi Arnaz but never imagined that San Lazaro was also named Babalu Aye. Thank you for giving me a little more Cuban knowledge in my life.
Peace to you and may el viejito bring you all you desire.
Posted by: Ileana at December 17, 2003 01:21 PM
I've always called our grandson "my sweet Babalu"...it just seems to fit him somehow. Nice to know what it really means.
Posted by: Rita at December 17, 2003 06:19 PM
when i moved to the west coast i arrived here with about 100 dollars and the clothes on my back. after 3 years of failures in jobs, relationships and life in general i called my mom back east and cried about how miserable everything was. And she told me something she had said many times before, but something that only my desperation would ever make me listen to. She said "mijo pidale a san lazaro que san lazaro nunca le falla " (my son ask san lazaro for help san lazaro will never fail you) since then with all my heart i ask him to help me so in turn i can help others less fortunate than me.and every day on my way to work i would ask him to please help me have a good day and on my way home i would thank him. It has been 15 years since i started this and he has answered me by giving me a wonderfull wife that loves me a beutiful son and a highly profitable bussiness and a gorgeous house.And every time i have needed san lazaro he has been there i keep a small statue of him in my house my car and my bussiness and when someone asks me about him i tell them that san lazaro begged for those who couldnt beg. he would rather feed a starving dog than himself he is the true meanning of love and selflessness. so i make sure that every charity i give is done in his name.And i profess the faith in him. thank you for reading this and remember "pidale a san lazaro que san lazaro nunca les falla" (ask san lazaro for help because san lazaro will never fail you.)
Posted by: mario at July 10, 2004 10:01 PM