Babalú-Ayé is the orisha of epidemic illness and of healing. Feared and deeply loved, he is venerated in Yoruba tradition and, above all, in Cuba, where his devotion is bound up with that of St Lazarus.
Yoruba roots
In Yorubaland the orisha of smallpox and infectious disease was known as Ṣọ̀pọ̀na, among other names. Because illness was understood to come under his power, so did recovery: he could send disease, and he could take it away. He is associated with the earth, and his name, Babalú-Ayé, is usually explained as "father, lord of the earth".
San Lázaro in Cuba
In Cuba, Babalú-Ayé became closely identified with St Lazarus, the poor man covered in sores from the Gospel parable, shown on crutches with dogs licking his wounds. Every year on 17 December, crowds of pilgrims travel to the Sanctuary of San Lázaro at El Rincón, near Havana, many of them walking long distances or crawling in fulfilment of promises made during illness. The devotion unites Catholics and followers of Lucumí alike.
In Brazil
In Brazilian Candomblé the orisha is known as Omolu or Obaluaiê, and is traditionally shown covered in a raffia costume that hides his face.
Babalú-Ayé in jewellery
A Babalú-Ayé design honours a powerful orisha of healing and one of the great popular devotions of the Caribbean.
You can see the AURYN design, or read our introduction to the Yoruba orishas.
