Babalu Aye
Babalú-Ayé is both a Santeria Orisha and Voodou Lwa strongly associated with infectious disease, both as precipitator and healer.
Because he acquired numerous conditions & diseases - including STDs - due to poor behaviors and neglected hygene during a his youth in a human lifetime, and the resulting suffering he continues to endure - he is the Spiritual Patron especially of epidemics of such diseases as smallpox, leprosy, influenza, ebola, and AIDS.
Due to his physical maladies, Babalu Aye is syncretized with Saint Lazarus.
As part of their iconography, St. Lazarus and Babalu Aye share images of dogs. Just as St. Lazarus' infected skin lesions were healed by dogs licking them (yes, I know it's kind of gross) - Babalu's lesions were also so-healed.
Tho' healed, he continues to hobble, due to a damaged leg. His skin remains marred by countless, horribly ugly scars - so he wears raffia covering his entire body and face to avoid frightening people.
Babalu Aye is widely known as an Orisha of Lucumi and Santeria, as well as in Umbanda, Candalombe, and Latin American Folk Catholicism.
One of the Spirits worshipped by the Dahomey people of Africa, he is also served in some Haitian and many American Voodou Socyetes.
When praying to Babalu Aye, we make offerings of his favorite foods: roasted or popped corn, beans, or other grains. Rum, tobacco, or dry white wine are also appreciated. We never offer peanuts or sesame seeds -- they are absolutely taboo.
A beautiful prayer to offer Babalu Aye is:
"Lord of the Epidemics and the Sick. I pray to you now, have pity on us your children. Oh, glorious father, keep sickness away from my home, and protect your children from epidemics. Thank you my father. I will praise honor and respect you all my life!"
Babalu Aye appreciates decorations and offerings of abundant cowry shells, and the gemstones bloodstone, tanzanite, snowflake obsidian, and jasper.
A traditional Tool often set on his altar is the Herramientas including crutches and dogs...
To view a Video of Desi Arnaz singing Babalu Aye (a popular song written by Cuban singer/songwriter Margarita Lecouna) on I Love Lucy CLICK HERE
To view a Video of the "Yoruba Andabo" singing & dancing group presenting the story of Babalu Aye CLICK HERE
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