Babalu-Aye's Sopera, contents, & mesa (table) Version Babalu-Aye's Sopera, contents, & mesa (table)

Babalu-Ayé -/San Lazaro/St. Lazarus/Shopona/Omolu
.An Earth spirit (Ayé =earth), strongly associated with epidemics, infections, and healing. He can cause or cure disease. He is a liminal figure, associated the dead, the ancestors, transition, death, resurrection and the cyclical nature of all life. African deity of smallpox, now associated with AIDS and influenza. Symbols include a crutches, 2 dogs, and cowry shells. His colors are brown, black and burgundy, and his numbers are 7 and 17.
Strongly associated with the forest and with powerful herbs that can heal or cause poisoning. His tools include a palm broom, a covered terracotta pot with a pierced lid, and cowry shells. He is often depicted as an old man on crutches, with 2 dogs. He dresses humbly, in burlap or raffia. His feast day is December 17. He is accompanied by a female called Nanu or Nana Buruku, who is either his mother or his wife.. He is a liminal figure, associated with the earth, the dead, the ancestors, transition, death, resurrection and the cyclical nature of life.