Monday, 21 November 2011 16:08
Santa Bárbara
What characterizes us as Cubans is our flag, the national anthem, the Royal Palm, and ⎯among others⎯ a mixed race influenced by the Spanish, African and Indigenous, that have converged in one cultural trunk leaving us religious syncretism.
For the Catholic, 4th December is synonym for joy and jubilation, paying tribute to a deity, Santa Bárbara, symbol of strength and love for the celestial father, who is called on by artillerymen, fire fighters and engineers in case of storms, tragedies, lightnings, thunders, and blizzards. Her image is presented together with the tower, the sword, the chalice and the sacred ostia (sometimes a dove). Christians also call it on not to die without having lived the life of good Christians.
This venerated virgin, considered stronger than death, counts also with a lot of devotees of the Yoruba Religion, where syncretism transforms her into Changó (warrior).
Parishioners of the Catholic Church each year participate in a mass on her anniversary, praying fervently and thankfully to their saint. The caretakers of sanctuary celebrate with drums, altars, fruit and sweet offerings, etc. praying overwhelmed by their deep feelings of endless gratitude.
The recently named "Vicar of the East" in the Myabeque province, especially and intensely worships Santa Bárbara, having dedicated a temple to her in the municipality of Güines. On 4th December 2011, a documentary about this tradition will be shot at this very place. Speaking in musical terms, the song "Que viva Changó" will stay with us forever, composed and interpreted by Celina González.
Every manifestation of faith is a sign of life, this saint gives us strength and divine light, leads and illuminates us, and covers us with its red cloak underneath God's grace.
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