Who is Saint Anthony in Umbanda?

The syncretism between Umbanda or Candomblé and Catholicism is striking, having its saints and orishas directly related. Among them is Santo Antonio, who in Bahia is syncretized with Ogum, in Recife with Xangô and in the rest of the country as Exu, the Lord of the Ways.

Far beyond the effects of colonialism, the syncretism between St. Anthony and Exu refers to various similarities between both entities. Of course there are also those who do not agree, as happens in any relationship of this type. To better understand, learn more about this relationship and whether it is possible to worship the Saint and the Orixá at the same time.

The entities

Both Saint Anthony and Exu are much loved entities in their pantheons, representing courage, good oratory and closeness to people. Brave and protective, they have many points in common, which only reinforce this syncretism. Understand better the history of each one.

Who is Saint Anthony in the Catholic Church?

Born Fernando Antônio Bulhões, from a wealthy family, Saint Anthony was an only son and since his youth served the church, becoming a Capuchin later. Known as the matchmaker saint, he donated part of his fortune so that young girls could pay their dowry and get married under the protection of the Church.

He was also known as the patron saint of the humble, given his custom of distributing food to the less well-off population with his own money. He became famous for working miracles, being a renowned physician and professor at universities in Italy and France.

Who is Exu in Umbanda?

In Umbanda, Exu is the guardian of the paths and protector of those who need his help. Humble, joyful and with the gift of oratory, he knows how to inspire, console or give that sermon that no one will forget. He is the messenger between the Sacred and people.

The most human of the Orixás, Exu is movement, dynamic energy, life. He opens paths, helps those in need and knows how to communicate. He never lets those who ask him lack bread and love those who suffer for it. He is neither evil nor good, just energy and movement.

Religious syncretism

The religious syncretism is a reality and demonstrates its strong presence in places where the Afro cult has greater influence, such as Rio de Janeiro or Bahia. Take for example, the procession of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, which takes place on February 2, with offerings to the Orixá Iemanjá.

Both the Catholic and African pantheons are united by ties that refer to colonialism. Saints are related to Orixás and cults end up uniting and giving rise to new ways of celebrating the Sacred, regardless of the name it receives. Understand this relationship better.

What is syncretism?

Syncretism is the union, that is, the combination of elements from different religions. You can observe this phenomenon in the beginning of Christianity that adopted pagan festivals and symbols to attract more faithful, for example, Christmas, which is the Sabbath of Yule, where the Goddess gives birth to the Sun God, in the winter solstice; or the Sabbath of Ostara and the resurrection of Christ.

Also the Greek and Roman pantheon has immense similarities with the correlation between their deities and traditions. The same happens with the African pantheon and the Catholic saints, with relationships that last from colonial Brazil to the present day.

History of syncretism in Umbanda

Umbanda is a Brazilian religion, but its roots are in the African matrix. The cult of the Orixás was transmitted orally by men and women brought involuntarily from Africa to work in the country. Besides all the suffering imposed on them, they were also forced to "accept" Catholicism as their religion.

One way to maintain their own culture, even if in a veiled way, was to associate their deities to the local saints, based on similar characteristics. And this is how the religious syncretism between Catholicism and Umbanda began, as a way to maintain their essence and still adapt to what was imposed.

Exu and Saint Anthony

The association between Exu and Santo Antonio is part of this syncretism between the African matrix and Christianity. It is born from the similarities between these two entities and the need to continue their worship. Learn more details of this relationship.

Santo Antônio is Exu?

For Umbanda, Santo Antonio is associated with Exu, both being respected as individuality in each religion. However, the association between them is remarkable because they present common factors. To understand religious syncretism, it is important to remember that many times, the Sacred may have several representations, but it is only one.

Therefore, it makes no difference to say that St. Anthony is Exu - or is not - because both deal with the same energy of movement, abundance, proximity to what is human and of course, unconditional love. So choose what is good for you and reconnect, in your own way.

Why do Exu and Santo Antonio have a relationship with love?

Both archetypes (representations of a certain thing, in this case the Sacred) - Exu and Saint Anthony - are related to love. This is because the Catholic Saint is associated with the ease in getting married with your love, while Exu, as creative energy, is also called to facilitate the process.

For the Catholic, love is obtained by placing the saint in the freezer, in water or tied upside down. For the Umbandist, the Exu is pleased, with his favorite offerings, effort and righteousness of character. In both cases, faith is always present.

Gift of the preaching of Saint Anthony and Exu

Both Exu and Saint Anthony are known for their ability to communicate with people. Whether through preaching, spreading the word of faith or through the sermon, which helps to correct the path.

Saint and Orixà, both with their gift of preaching, good advice and a helping hand whenever needed. Saint Anthony was a university professor, but spoke the language of the people. Exu speaks all languages and is the intermediary between Orixàs and humans.

Similarities between Saint Anthony and Exu

Exu and Saint Anthony have many similarities, among them the gift of communication, the approximation of the spiritual and material, besides being related to cases of impossible love.

Exu is also attributed the gift of attracting abundance and prosperity, never missing the bread for those in need. Similarly, Saint Anthony is seen as the provider of abundance.

Day of commemoration of Saint Anthony and Exu

The day of Exu and Saint Anthony is June 13, date of the saint's death, which happened in Padua, Italy, reason why he became known as Saint Anthony of Padua.

It is also the time of a party to thank for the abundance, for the harvest, known as June Party. And the opening of the parties occurs exactly on the day of Saint Anthony, or Exu, Lord of the Ways and of abundance.

Can you worship both entities simultaneously?

Each person chooses how they will relate to the Sacred, the divine. If for you, connecting to this force of movement through syncretism between the African and Catholic pantheons is the best way, then of course you can.

After all, what is religion, if not a way of finding and re-signifying what is considered divine? Thus, the syncretism between Exu and Santo Antonio can represent two entities or just their meaning, always aligned to their choice of what is Sacred.