Omiero

In the Cuban religion of Santería, omiero, also known as purificacíon de santo, is a liquid used in various ritual acts.

Uses

The term omiero derives from the Lucumi language which is used for ritual purposes in Santería.^[1] This liquid is also known by the Spanish language term purificacíon de santo.^[2] It primarily consists of a mix of herbs and water.^[2]

The otanes, which are stones deemed to be the physical representation of the oricha, are "fed" by pouring both omiero and the blood of sacrificed animals onto them.^[3] Practitioners believe that through this, the oricha consume the aché, a type of spiritual energy, from these liquids.^[4] Both omiero and animal blood are also poured onto the cowry shells which are used for the dilogún form of divination, again to "feed" them.^[5] Omiero is again used to wash the drums employed during ritual drumming sessions as part of the ritual to consecrate them.^[6]

Omiero is also used during initiation ceremonies for the purpose of purifying the initiate.^[7] In Santería initiation ceremonies, the iyawó (initiate) ingests omiero on each of the seven days of initiation.^[2]