eshu is a orixá guardian of communication, which is part of the original African religions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda. It is one of the best known and most revered entities by adherents of these religions in Brazil.
Exu received the mission to make communication between human beings and the divine plan and, as it is an entity of great importance, it represents the beginning of communication. Therefore, when beginning rituals or religious works, it is common to make a bow or offering especially to Eshu.
The predominant colors representing the entity, used in offerings and works, are red and black.
The characteristics of Exu
Exu has some characteristics that are typical of the reactions of human nature and his image before his followers reflects protection, justice, patience, strength and discipline in the pursuit of goals. Ambiguity and plurality of feelings are also human characteristics present in Exu.
The most common personality traits associated with it are: discipline, patience and protection on the paths. The orixá is seen as a faithful protector of people who worship him and are grateful for his protection.
Day of the week and commemorative date
The day of the week assigned to Exu is Monday and June 13th is your commemorative day. The date means that, in syncretism with the Catholic religion, Exu is represented by Santo Antônio.
Offerings to Exu
It is quite common for offerings to Eshu to be made at crossroads or other similar places, called crossroads.
The habit is due to the fact that a crossroads represents the connection between two different points, as well as the connection between two worlds (earthly and spiritual), a function performed by Eshu.
Exu in Umbanda and Candomblé
Exu is worshiped both in Umbanda and in Candomblé. Generally speaking, he is even in both religions, being one of the most powerful entities.
Exu Lock Street
The Exu Tranca Rua is an orixá worshiped mainly for its characteristic of helping to open the paths desired by those who are faithful to it. According to the practice of religions, he has the power to help overcome obstacles to achieve goals.
Exu skull
According to Umbanda, Exu Skull is an orixá that has the attribute of protection and can help people who worship him to get rid of negative energies.
He can also work with assistance to disincarnated spirits in their evolutionary process until the moment of the next incarnation.
Learn more about Umbanda it's the Candomblé and see the meaning of orixás.
the children of Eshu
In African religions, people are attributed as the daughters of an orixá and this can determine some characteristics of their personality.
According to this idea, the children of Exu are usually people whose most notable characteristics are: joy, intensity, charisma, sense of justice, sensuality and a lot of passion for life.
Exu's Story
In the history of religions, Eshu would have been the messenger sent by God during the period of creation on Earth. One of his tasks would be to get to know the planet to see if it was a good place for human beings and for the orixás.
After arriving on Earth, Eshu would have decided to remain here, and some time later he became an orixá much worshiped in the rituals of Candomblé and Umbanda.
Laroye, Exu!
The expression Laroye, Exu (or Laroiê, Exu) is used as a greeting to the entity and can be translated as "Hail messenger". The most common use is in Candomblé and Umbanda rituals.
It comes from the Yoruba language, an African ethnic group from the Nigeria region. The Yoruba language is spoken in countries like Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
Learn more about other orixás: Yemanja, Shango, Oxum, Oxossi, hopefully and Yemanja and dove cute.