Orí, the health and illnesses of the “saint's children”

Abstract

African-based religions play an important role in conducting the health practices of their devotees from an integral view of the person’s body that considers the human being in its different spheres, spiritual, social, mental and biological. In Candomblé, the “head”, called Orí, is understood as the seat of the individual’s individuality, has a spiritual content, has the status of divinity, and guides the “sons and daughters of saint” on their journey in Ayê. If weakened, it can bring illnesses, which requires a series of ritual procedures to strengthen Orí, such as Bori, which means the ritual of giving food and drink to the “head”, essential for the restoration of spiritual or physical health. From this context, the research sought to understand the importance of Ori for the health-disease process of people affiliated to Candomblé, interviewing subjects from different terreiros. The results point to Orí’s ability to strengthen people’s character, values and positive attitudes towards life, as being fundamental to making good choices in favor of health, and preventing illnesses. Having a good “head” is having good health.