The Cult of Maria Lionza
Maria Lionza, was the daughter of an Venezuelan chief. She was banished from her village, because she was born in the 1500s, with green eyes which were considered to be a bad omen. Her followers believe she survived and still resides in the mountains. She is revered as a deity of nature, fertility and harmony. The occult of Maria Lionza is also referred to as Espiritismo. It is a blend of the indigenous religions preserved in Venezuela, Catholic influence from the Spanish conquistadors; and the African Spirituality of the slaves brought to the region. The faith is closely related to Santeria, and unites the three main cultures of Venezuela, native, Hispanic, and African. Worshippers throughout Venezuela make a pilgrimage each year in October to the shrine of Maria Lionza, nestled in the mountains of Yaracuy. Rituals of offering to Lionza typically include animal sacrifices, flowers, food, and walking on hot coals. |
Watch this extraordinary coverage of a Candomble ceremony in Bahia, Brasil. The video is in Portuguese, without subtitles.