San Lzaro: Where & How To Honor Him? Find Answers!
Is it possible to find solace and protection in the embrace of a venerated figure, a symbol of both affliction and miraculous healing? The enduring reverence for San Lzaro, also known as Babal Ay, across various faiths, is a testament to the human need for hope and the unwavering belief in divine intervention.
The quest for understanding often leads us down unexpected paths, especially when navigating the complexities of religious traditions. One might find themselves pondering, "Where does one place San Lzaro in the home?" This simple question opens a door to a world of ritual, offering, and devotion, a world where faith intertwines with everyday life. The practices associated with San Lzaro, or Babal Ay in the Santera tradition, are rich with symbolism. The preparations for veneration, the "ebo de entrada," are similar to those for any other saint, yet specific to San Lzaro is the inclusion of numerous "miniestras," or miniature offerings. The rituals must be performed with precision and reverence, invoking the power of the saint who embodies both illness and death, ensuring that his energy remains a blessing and does not linger within the home.
The following table provides information about the San Lzaro, also known as Babal Ay
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | San Lzaro, Babal Ay |
| Origin | Hebrew; Syncretized with Lazarus of Bethany (New Testament) and Babal Ay (Yoruba) |
| Meaning of Name | "God has helped" |
| Associations | Health, Protection, Healing from Disease, Poverty, and Suffering |
| Syncretism | San Lzaro (Catholicism), Babal Ay (Santera/Regla de Osha) |
| Color | Purple (Bishop's Color) |
| Feast Day | December 17th (Catholicism, syncretized in Santera) |
| Offerings | Food (Popcorn, roasted corn, etc.), Coins, Dry Wine, Cigars, Candles, Flowers, and Ritual Objects |
| Symbolism | Dogs, Crutches, Wounds, Sickness, and Healing |
| Common Prayers/Greetings | "Jeka Babal Ay, Agrgnica!" |
| Primary Locations of Veneration | Cuba (El Rincn), Sanctuaries, Altars, and Homes |
| Reference | Wikipedia - Lazarus of Bethany |
The personal experiences of devotees often weave a narrative of faith and devotion. The story of Seora Natividad, recounted years ago, illustrates the personal promises made in the name of faith. A vow to light a purple candle in Cuba, a symbol of reverence and devotion, was followed by unforeseen events. Though the act of lighting the candle in her home, rather than the designated corner, as the rain fell, and the subsequent loss of her mother, underscores the profound impact that faith and circumstances have on those seeking solace in divine power.
The perception of San Lzaro is complex and deeply rooted in history and various religious practices. He is the venerated "viejito" (old man) who watches over all, a figure embodying both suffering and compassion. In Santera, he is known as Babal Ay, a miraculous Orisha who bestows health and protection upon those who seek his aid. The essence of Lzaros appeal lies in his ability to understand human frailty and the importance of health. The significance of well-being is highlighted through a reminder of the limitations of wealth and fortune in the face of physical, mental, and spiritual illness.
The rituals associated with San Lzaro are varied and personal, and the offerings made on his day are often a reflection of the devotee's faith. After a cleansing ceremony, grains are cast into a basin or container, then transported to a "manigua," a secluded natural area. Other acts of devotion might involve the use of 17 cents, moistened with coconut water and blessed with dry wine and tobacco smoke. This act of generosity, of sharing with those in need on the 17th of December, represents a deeper connection to the world.
It is interesting to note that, in spite of the fact that the image of San Lzaro does not appear in Catholic churches, due to the belief in Rome that this person never existed, practitioners of Santera have him in their home altars. This blending of religious traditions and the culinary aspects of the faith are fascinating aspects of this spiritual world. The association of a specific meal with each Orisha is an important part of the Santera tradition.
Those who seek the favor of San Lzaro often believe in the importance of ritual. The "ebo," a form of offering, is performed and then left at the door. The saint is entrusted with the task of removing negativity. The image of San Lzaro is left outside until sunset on the day the work is done, after which it is returned to the house.
The items are as follows: seven loaves of bread, a casserole, 17 candles, assorted grains, a glass of dry wine, a purple onion, and a parchment. The offering is placed in a room in the house, to best represent the three important levels: heaven, earth, and, in some cases, purgatory. The offering should represent heaven, earth, and, in some cases, purgatory, representing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels, respectively.
The intersection of faith, community, and tradition is especially evident in Cuba, where San Lzaro's veneration is widespread. The Shrine of El Rincn, constructed on February 26, 1917, is a place of pilgrimage. Here, one can witness the devotion of his followers. Devotees travel to El Rincn. Those who kneel before Babal Ay seek not gold, but life, reflecting a desire for well-being over material wealth. This, which can only be granted by he who bears the pain and illness in his body.
San Lzaro's narrative transcends the specificities of religious practices, becoming a universal story of resilience and compassion. The narrative tells us of a time when the archpriest of San Salvador saw Lazarus and married him to his maid. He and his wife lived in a house next to the archpriest. The question arises, "Where did Lazarus meet the squire?" When Lazarus left the cleric's house, he went to Toledo. This highlights the human nature of the narrative.
Babal Ay, the old man revered, is a source of comfort, who gives the health we need so much. The association of the Orisha with those who live and suffer, as well as with the protection from harm, make it a central figure in Santera. San Lzaro is hidden among the ivy, coralillo, and cundeamor to protect himself from the sun and only comes out at night. This is a perfect example of syncretism.
The appropriate greeting for Babal Ay is: "Jeka Babalu Ay Agrgnica!"
The veneration of San Lzaro in Cuba, also known as Babal Ay in Santera, is deeply ingrained in the hearts of many faithful, where his cult enjoys a place of preference. The National Shrine of San Lzaro, in El Rincn, is a usual place of pilgrimage for his devotees. A large dome with a cross rises above the central altar, where one finds the image of San Lzaro along with other saints venerated in Cuba, such as the Virgen del Cobre and the Virgen de Regla. Finally, in the main chapel, followers can visit the most adored statue of San Lzaro Milagroso. In Santera, he is also worshiped in temples and houses of saints, where offerings are made and rituals are performed.
The "Sbado de Lzaro," the Saturday before the Sunday of San Lzaro, is a time when devotees prepare themselves spiritually to honor his memory and request his intercession. San Lzaro de Betania, also known as San Lzaro, was a character in the New Testament and a friend of Jesus Christ, who stayed in his house many times.
Lzaro is mentioned as living in Bethany, a town just outside Jerusalem, in a humble house where Jesus stayed on at least three occasions and was well received. His name is used as a synonym for resurrection because he died and was brought back to life by Jesus.
The "Lazarillo de Tormes" provides a different perspective. The squire's house was nothing special, and Lzaro realized that the man, despite appearances, was poor. Lazarus was forced to beg and give part of his earnings to his master. The narrative portrays the harshness of life, where San Lzaro shows his strength in adversity.
There is also the other branch of the Order of Saint Lazarus, based in Boigny in France, under the protection of the French royal house, which continued to prosper. In 1608, King Henry IV of France obtained from Pope Paul V the recognition of the new Order of the Most Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, to which he reunited the Order of Saint under the same Grand Master. San Lzaro also looks after the homes and children of his brothers.
San Lzaro is syncretized with Saint Philip, and also Saint John, Saint Paul.
In the Santera tradition, Babal Ay is associated with offering the gift of life and health, which is why offerings such as the ones listed above are made in his honor. They are thought to bring people closer to the Orisha. The stories and practices related to San Lzaro are diverse and multifaceted. The veneration of San Lzaro is proof of the capacity of faith to embrace humanity's deepest hopes and most vulnerable fears.
