A Cuban mother has sparked laughter and nostalgia among social media users after posting a video in which her son is seen eating popcorn placed as an offering on the altar dedicated to the orisha Eleguá.
The charming moment was shared on TikTok by the user @olo_oshun_ololoddi and shows the little one enjoying, without any guilt, the pot of popcorn that his mother had prepared as part of the religious ritual. "And this now? Are you really eating Eleguá's food?" the mother remarked.
The video quickly went viral and sparked a wave of comments among Cubans, who took the opportunity to share their own experiences, ranging from the anecdotal to the spiritual, with altars dedicated to Eleguá, one of the most revered deities in Afro-Cuban religion.
"My nephew would get in his little cart, grab my Eleguá, and take him all around the house. Once I scolded him, and later on a drum, Eleguá told me, 'Who are you to tell my son not to play with me?'" shared one user. Another internet user chuckled and recalled, "I used to make coffee and my child would drink it."
Similar stories flooded the comments, filled with devotion and tenderness, clearly indicating that for many Cubans, the relationship with the orisha saints is deeply familial and intimate. “Leave it be, girl, Eleguá is working his magic,” wrote a follower, celebrating the childlike spontaneity and divine connection.
The video adds to a long tradition of stories that reflect how popular religious practices in Cuba coexist with everyday life, especially when children are the protagonists.
Frequently asked questions about Afro-Cuban religious traditions and daily life in Cuba
What is Eleguá and what is its importance in Afro-Cuban religion?
Eleguá is one of the most revered orishas within Afro-Cuban religion. He is known as the guardian of the paths and the messenger between humans and the other orishas. Eleguá is a central figure in Santería, and he is associated with the opening and closing of paths in people's lives. His altars often include offerings such as corn, sweets, and coffee, and are commonly found in the homes of practitioners of this religion.
How do Afro-Cuban religious traditions coexist with daily life in Cuba?
In Cuba, Afro-Cuban religious traditions such as Santería are deeply woven into the daily lives of many people. The rituals and offerings to the orishas are part of the family routine and are performed naturally. Altars in homes are common, and children often participate spontaneously in these practices, as seen in the viral video of the child eating the offerings to Eleguá. These traditions reflect an intersection of the spiritual with the everyday, creating an environment where popular religiosity is an essential part of Cuban cultural identity.
What challenges does a Cuban mother face in her daily life?
Cuban mothers face numerous daily challenges due to the economic crisis and the lack of basic services. Food shortages, power outages, and the lack of medical supplies are recurring issues that complicate the care of their families. Many mothers, as shown in the videos shared on social media, have to come up with creative solutions to feed their children and maintain their homes under difficult conditions. Despite these adversities, they demonstrate admirable resilience and a strong sense of community and solidarity.
How is popular religiosity reflected on Cuban social media?
Social media has emerged as an important space for sharing and celebrating popular religiosity in Cuba. Many practitioners of Santería and other Afro-Cuban religions use platforms like TikTok to document their rituals, altars, and spiritual experiences. These videos not only showcase the devotion and creativity of Cubans but also create a cultural bridge between the island and the diaspora, allowing for greater visibility and understanding of these practices around the world.
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