THE HISTORY OF BABALU AYE

Who Is Babalu Aye?

Obalú-ayé, also known as Sànpònná or Babalú Ayé, is the Orisha of the earth. He is accompanied by Ikú, the spirit of death, which is why so many deaths occur through illness — he is one of the sixteen forces that must pass before Ikú can claim a life. In nature, Babalú Ayé is seen in the fungus killing a tree, the weeds overtaking a garden, and disease afflicting animals. He is the seed that infiltrates every living thing, called the father of disease — and it is because of his voracity that illness exists in the world. Yet he is also the only one who can change that path and grant healing.

Origins

Babalú Ayé is a half-brother of Chango. When the diviners gathered to distribute the kingdoms, he was given the Kingdom of Dajome — some traditions hold he was born there, in Arará land, while others say he traveled there from Lucumí land. He is the most deeply venerated saint of the Arará tradition.

He is depicted as one afflicted — his legs twisted, his back bent — master of epidemics and disease, deity of smallpox, leprosy, venereal illness, and skin conditions generally. "Babalú Ayé" itself is a title meaning "father of the world," originally given to Chopono or Chakpata, the fearsome Orisha of smallpox, whose true name could not be spoken aloud.

Worship and Practice

In Matanzas, the heirs of the Arará tradition honor Babalú Ayé with the Asojín drum, received directly through Arará lineage. He is known to work closely with the dead. His color is bishop's purple, and his day is Friday, though some traditions hold Wednesday instead. His number is 17, and he speaks through 4, 11, and 13 in the Diloggún (Irosun, Ojuani, and Metanlá).

His Names

Of Lucumí origin, Babalú Ayé is also known as Agróniga, Omobitasa (the eldest of the San Lázaros), Asojuano, Asyoricha (the youngest), and Ayanó — invoked in prayer to keep epidemics at bay. Additional caminos include Chakuata (Agróniga, of the very old Yonkó path), Awojonú, Shapkán, Asoyí (the Bishop), Atimayá, and Ayamú (Arará).

Attributes and Tools

Babalú Ayé's core attribute is the ajá — a bundle of palm or coconut fiber rods bound at one end with burlap and adorned with beads and cowrie shells. He is also associated with burlap cloth, ex-votos, and implements belonging to the disabled, along with a dog figure in white with yellow markings.

His tools include two iron dogs. Whenever San Lázaro is received, an Elegua is added alongside him with a matching dog-figure Osun — in the Arará tradition, this Elegua is called Afrá. He also carries two crutches and a rattle.

Necklaces and Clothing

His necklaces combine black beads, Oyá's matipó, San Lázaro's matipó (white with blue stripes), and red beads — the exact combination determined by his camino. He is dressed in burlap or variegated plaid cloth, adorned with many cowrie shells.

Traditional Offerings

Offerings include beans and grains, burnt bread, and toasted corn on the cob, along with green coconut water, garlic, onion, dry wine, palm oil, smoked fish, smoked jutía, and beef neck. Animal offerings include bearded goat, rooster, pigeon, guinea hen, and quail. His messengers are mosquitoes, flies, and disease-carrying insects, as well as the wind itself.

Honor Babalu Aye

Whether you're beginning your path with Babalú Ayé or deepening a lifelong devotion, Nelstar Services has provided authentic Santeria and Lucumı́ supplies since 2003. Explore our San Lázaro beaded necklaces, or find full guidance in our Orisha Center.