Olodumare as supreme principle

What it is: Many houses and lineages of Santería affirm Olodumare as supreme reality, ultimate source of life and sacred order.

How the tradition understands it: In general, Olodumare does not receive the same kind of daily worship directed to the orishas, who act in a closer and more concrete way in ritual life.

Textual basis and context: The belief is preserved by oral tradition, Lucumí theologies, and ritual and academic literature on the tradition.

Objections and debates: The degree of emphasis on Olodumare varies between houses, and some public descriptions oversimplify excessively the relation between supreme principle and practical devotion.

Supportive

Britannica, Santería

santeria,britannica,history,orishas

Historical and doctrinal synthesis of the Afro-Cuban tradition.

Reference: Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on Santería.
Content: Summarizes Afro-Cuban origin, role of orishas, divination, sacrifice, initiation, and international diffusion.
Use in debate: Useful general source for historical and descriptive vision of the tradition.

Olodumare in the Lukumí tradition

santeria,olodumare,theology,orishas

Olodumare appears as supreme source of being and of axé.

Reference: Lukumí theologies preserved in oral tradition and specialized literature.
Content: Olodumare is treated as supreme principle, above the daily cult directed to the orishas.
Use in debate: Sustains distinction between supreme principle and ritual mediations.