Rituals

Crafting the Sacred: A DIY Guide to Conducting the Ipade Ritual

ABOUT THE IPADE RITUAL

Embarking on the journey to perform the Ipade ritual within the confines of a spiritual house (in Brazil often called Ile Ase or Terreiro), is a profound expression of devotion to the Orishá and Ifá traditions. The Ipade is an Opening Ritual for protection and spiritual guidance. This ritual is compulsory for Candomblé devotees, whenever a ritual which is combined with a sacrifice is performed. The ritual has many variances and simplifications. Simplified versions are often used in the tradition of Umbanda, too. For some more details I invite you to have a look at my other blog about this topic.

The Ipadê ritual holds a central place within the Candomblé tradition, an Afro-Brazilian religion deeply rooted in West African beliefs and practices. This sacred ceremony serves as a potent tool for spiritual renewal, honoring ancestors, and strengthening the bond between initiates and the divine entities known as Orixás.

The Ipadê ritual is a complex and multifaceted event, often lasting several days. It involves a series of carefully choreographed steps, including purification rituals, offerings to the Orixás, drumming, singing, and dancing. Through these practices, participants seek to connect with the spiritual realm, receive blessings, and gain spiritual guidance.

The Ipadê is not merely a religious observance; it is a cultural expression that embodies the rich heritage of the African diaspora in Brazil. It is a celebration of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. The Ipadê ritual offers a glimpse into the vibrant and profound spiritual world of Candomblé, a tradition that continues to thrive and evolve in contemporary Brazil.

This step-by-step guide is designed to help practitioners navigate the sacred process, ensuring that the ritual resonates with the spiritual essence of Candomblé and fosters a deep connection with the divine. This Guide is just a frame, an example, on how it can be performed. The key deities related to Ipade in all Candomblé Houses are Eshu and Iyami Osorongá. The key related elements are cassava and palm oil.

4 STEPS OF AN IPADE RITUAL: A SIMPLIFIED GUIDE

Step 1: Preparation of the Sacred Space

  1. Cleanse the Terreiro: Begin by physically cleaning the space. Then, spiritually purify the area with sacred herbs (smudging) and water to create a conducive environment for the divine energies.
  2. Set Up the Altar in case you do not have the typical shrine houses for the Orishás: Arrange an altar in the Terreiro, dedicating it to Eshu, the mediator.
  3. Place a clay pot or calabash at the center of the room, ideally on the Ori Ashé that links Earth Aye with Heaven Orun.

Step 2: Gathering the Ritual Elements

  1. Clay Pots or Calabashes: Symbolize the elements of Earth and Fire, serving as containers for the offerings.
  2. Cassava Flour (Farinha de Mandioca): Represents the community and homage to the land’s original inhabitants.
  3. Red Palm Oil (Óleo de Dendê): Symbolizes vitality and the element of Fire, acting as a calming agent in this context.
  4. Sugarcane Liquor: Connects to the ancestral pain and joy, serving as a reminder of the past. It is a symbol of the spiritual world, too. And it ignites and calls the spiritual world.
  5. White Candle: Represents spiritual illumination and the element fire (Eshú)
  6. Glass of Water: Symbolizes purity and the element of Water (Aye)

Step 3: Conducting the Ritual

  1. Invocation: The Iyalorishá (Mother of Orishás) or Babalorishá (Father of Orishás) starts the ritual by invoking the spiritual world, acknowledging the purpose and nature of the ceremony.
  2. Preparation of the Ipade:
    • Greeting Mother Earth Aye by touching the ground three times with water
    • Mixing the Offerings: In a calabash, mix water and red palm oil. Add cassava flour gradually, mixing three times in a counterclockwise direction to symbolize the unification of the community under the Orishás. Some just mix cassava and palm oil without water. If mixing with the hand, always use the left hand and mix it counterclockwise.
    • Lighting the Candle: Signify the presence of Fire, calling upon the divine energy to witness and bless the ritual.
  3. Ritual Procession:
    • Female participants, respecting the matriarchal nature of Candomblé, lead the procession. They carry the prepared Ipade to designated sacred spots within the Terreiro, such as the Iroko tree, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.
    • Songs and chants dedicated to Eshu and other Orishás are performed, inviting their presence and blessings. Usually Eshu Ina (Fire) and Eshu Ojise (Messenger) are invoked. Than Iyami Osorongá as the collective of all female deities.

Step 4: Offering and Closing the Ritual

  1. Offering the Ipade: Place the Ipade at the foot of the Iroko tree or another sacred spot, offering it to Eshu and asking for his mediation between the worlds. Do the same for Iyami Osorongá asking for protection and appeasement.
  2. Closing Prayers and Songs: Conclude with prayers and songs thanking the Orishás and ancestors for their blessings. The closing acts as a seal, affirming the ritual’s success and the community’s unity.
  3. Closing Ritual: Often, the ritual concludes with a typical clapping of the hands, named Pat.
  4. Sharing the Meal: Often, the ritual concludes with the sharing of a communal meal, symbolizing the successful exchange and the reinforcement of community bonds.

Please note, that this ritual is exclusively done by women. Traditionally only initiated devotees are allowed to participate. With exception of the elders who completed the 7 years initiation process, all participants need to sit on the ground and look to the ground. The woman conducting the ritual is called Iya Moro, the Mother of the Fundaments.

CONCLUSION

Conducting the Ipade ritual is a sacred endeavor that requires preparation, reverence, and a deep understanding of the Candomblé tradition. By following these steps, practitioners can ensure that their offering is made with respect and devotion, fostering a strong spiritual connection with the Orishás and the ancestral lineage. The Ipade ritual is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the unbreakable bonds that tie the community to the divine.

Details of prayers, songs, recommendations, can be red in the book about the Sacred Candomblé from the author.

Schreibe einen Kommentar

Deine E-Mail-Adresse wird nicht veröffentlicht. Erforderliche Felder sind mit * markiert