Logum Ede

Axel Santana

Anna B. Scott

Brazilian Dance

May 7, 2009

A Tale of Orixas: Logum Ede

1^st Things 1^st- Candomble

-According to Professor Anna B. Scott, the definition of Candomble is- “a holistic system, it is comprised of culinary arts, apothecary, the art of placement, healing with colors, visual arts, music, poetry, oral literature and dance.” In the traditional Brazilian religion known as Candomble, there are many rituals performed. Within each ritual, there are various elements that form the basis of the music that is played, the food that is eaten, the materials used, and the movements that are made. This religion had its roots in the African-influenced city of Salvador which is the capital of the region of Brazil known as Bahia..
View Larger Map Although this religion is practiced chiefly in Brazil, it is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. “The rituals involve the possession of participants by Orishas, animal sacrifices, healing, dancing and drumming” (tudobeleza). The name Candomble means “dance in honor of the gods” and music and dance are very important factors in the tradition (BBC). In its early days, Candomble was practiced secretly since the Catholics wanted to keep the enslaved Africans under their control. Practitioners would conceal their deities under corresponding Catholic saints (BBC). There are a number of deities that make up the polytheistic religion of Candomble, and they are known as Orixas, and this blog, we will be discussing one Orixa in particular- Logum Ede- the various elements that go into his/her rituals, and dance.

Orixas

-Are the gods of this religion and are characterized by particular symbols: colors, songs, anecdotes, objects, animals, plants and atmospheric phenomena (Fryer- Rhythms of Resistance). From birth, everyone has their own Orixa dedicated to protect them- which would be equivalent to a Catholic person praying to a specific saint. There are over a dozen different Orixas, each with a varying purpose than the next. Some examples are Oxossi, who is represented by a bow and arrow, and whose color is green; Ogum, who carries a machete, and whose color is red or green; and Xango, who has two axes, and whose color is red or white. Some other Orixas include Exu, Ogum, Omolu, Ossain, Oxumare, Iemanja, Iansa, Nana, Obatala, and Logum Ede. In this blog, we will find out just a little bit more information on this Logum Ede character to see just what he or she is all about…

Logum Ede: Background Check

Born to Oxossi Matalambo and Oxum. Oxossi embodies mental wizardry especially in debates, verbal agreements, and negotiations. He is represented by a bow and arrow, while iron is his metal, and bushes are his natural element with green as his color. Oxum is known as the patron of artists and all things beautiful as she protects pregnant women and their fetuses. She is represented by the mirror and brass, while her color is yellow, and her element is the river (choreostories). Living up to her name as the “desirable diva,” Oxum was able to seduce Oxossi, and that was how Logum Ede was conceived. There was some controversy as to how he came to be, since Oxossi denied paternity for the longest time. During conception, another Orixa, Nana- who relieves the suffering of anguished mothers- was present. After all this, they managed to raise a child who knew the secrets of the medicinal herbs, had the bless of cure and the knowledge of the preparations of the portions.

Logum Ede: Orixa in the Flesh

Obviously, in the footsteps of his father, Logum Ede boasts his agile abilities with his weapon the bow and arrow (though the hand gesture for his is formed with the reciprocal to that of his father’s). Known for being the Orixa of double personality, Logum’s social role is the Hermaphroditic hunter. Also known as the mermaid warrior, his metals are brass and iron (a combination of his mothers’ and his fathers’). Waterfall in the mountains is his element, and his color is green, naturally. Logum is acknowledged for being able to traverse and thrive in impossible terrain (choreostories). He is god of everything that ails humans, as much as plants, fish, and other animals, and embodies the beauty of masculinity (http://www.umbandanossa.hpg.ig.com.br/logun.htm). His fruit is the banana prata, and the cacau e obi. His flower is the rose and his food is axoxo e omolokum. Logum is known for protecting fishermen, spreading overall wealth, especially to those who do not have any.

Children of Logum Ede:

People born under him are known to be very charming and charismatic, and therefore have many friends as well as admirers. They tend to have tremendous passion for people who suffer and do all they can to assist them. Despite these attributes, they are irritated quite easily, and lose their temper frequently. Most are perfectionists and must have their own way, and do not admit their faults. Many times, they will act on impulse, taking advantage of everything that life has to offer. Children of Logum Ede are curious experts, and are fully interested in taking on new experiences. Just like their Orixa, these individuals can adapt to any environment or situation.

Wrapping It Up

Now that we have learned a bit about this interesting Logum Ede character, let us watch a video on some of themes that were brought up. As we watch, try listening to the lyrics, and see if you can recognize any of the words that are sung throughout the song. Logum Ede is one of the most unique Orixas, because of his complex childhood, as well as his versatility when it comes to gender. Despite his obvious similarities to his father, Oxossi, and his close upbringings to his mother, Logum Ede was a whole new character in his own. He is the patron of fishermen, and waterfalls in the mountains, and his close relationship to water, symbolizes the power of peace and harmony.

Works Cited

"Myth of Logum Ede Birth." Babalorixa's Words. 6 May 2009 .

"Religion and Ethics- Candomble." BBC.com 2 Feb. 2007. BBC. 6 May 2009 .

Tudobeleza. "Candomble: Afro-Brazilian Religion." Weblog post. Word Press. 6 May 2009 .

Verger, Pierre. "Logun Ede." Lendas. 6 May 2009 .

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