Babalú-Ayé

Omolu, also known as Obaluaiye or Obaluayê, is an Orisha in the Yoruba religion, primarily worshipped in West Africa and the African diaspora, particularly in Brazil, Cuba, and other parts of Latin America. The name Omolu is derived from the Yoruba language and can be translated to Hebrew as עומבולו. In Portuguese, it is often spelled as Omolu, and in Spanish, it may appear as Omulu. Omolu is revered as the deity of diseases, healing, and purification. He is often associated with smallpox and other infectious diseases, embodying both the destructive and healing aspects of these ailments. Omolu is typically depicted as an elderly man covered in rags, symbolizing his connection to the earth and the underworld. His worship involves rituals aimed at seeking protection from diseases and invoking his healing powers. Followers often wear white clothing and avoid direct eye contact with Omolu's image, as it is believed that looking directly at him can bring illness. Omolu's festivals and ceremonies are marked by drumming, dancing, and offerings to honor his dual role as a bringer of both affliction and cure.