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COMMUNITY |
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Santeria
A new religion has emerged within East Harlem that is in much conflict with the predominant Roman Catholicism that is presently the most prevalent religion in East Harlem. This religion is known as Santeria is regarded by most Roman Catholics as a cult religion that mocks the foundations of traditional church teachings.
Santeria is based on the West African religions brought to the new world by slaves imported to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations. The slaves carried with them their own unique traditions, including a practice of possession trance for communicating with ancestors.
The use of animal sacrifice is popular as a form of reverence to God. Celebrations often include a practice of sacred drumming, dancing, and singing. At the same time, Santeria celebrates the majesty of nature and pays respect to ancestor divinities, who traveled to America within the souls and minds of enslaved Africans.
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Bontanica San Elias of Harlem is located in El Barrio and serves as a shop that supplies religious relics and popular items for Spanish American Catholics in El Barrio who believe in the practice of Santeria. |
The Santeria found within East Harlem is a blend of Christianity, Deities of enslaved Africans and Nigerians, and Beliefs of Native Americans. Many Spanish-Carribean cultures that practice Santeria see it as an extension of Catholicism and feel that it strengthens their belief in the Roman Catholic Church. Along East Harlem, bontanicas can be found that sell religious relics and figures of saints that are used by followers of Santeria.