Rituals

Exploring the Ritual of „Omi Tutu“: Why Do We Pour Water on the Street?

THE ROLE OF WATER IN AFRICAN-BRAZILIAN SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS

Water holds a special place in African-Brazilian religions, playing a key role in numerous rituals. From the Ìpàdé ritual, where it’s used to calm the Ajé (female Orixás, also known as enchantresses), to the Águas de Oxalá ceremony, symbolizing the lustral cleansing of the „Egbé Ilé“ (terreiro community), water is fundamental. In these traditions, water is linked through the Àyabás (Òrìsàs, Queen Mothers) to fertility, wealth, and femininity. Each Orixá governs a unique water source, be it rivers, seas, lakes, or waterfalls.

One well-known ritual in Brazilian Candomblé is Omi Tutu. Pouring (dispatching) water on the street. Pouring cold water (Omi Tutu) on the Earth is not only about fertilization but also about restoring its white blood, which nourishes and facilitates the growth of all things, a part of the prayers and rituals. Pouring water (throwing it to the ground) symbolizes the initiation and facilitation of a new cycle. In Candomblé, for example, water is revered as a life-giving element in the Águas de Oshalá, essential for renewing situations, recognizing the power of Oshalá over Shangô. Let us dive deeper into this particular ritual.

WHAT IS „DESPACHAR NA RUA“? THE TRADITION OF POURING WATER IN THE STREET

This act, part of the Òrìsà traditions, involves throwing three handfuls of water before entering or leaving the house. But why?

Common occasions for this practice include waking up, leaving home, and returning. It’s not just limited to these moments, though. Certain songs recall tumultuous times in an Òrìsà’s life, potentially awakening their wrath if sung at inappropriate times. In such instances, the Babalòrìsà or Ìyálòrìsà, ever vigilant, instructs an elder Egbon (initiate) to pour water on the street, calming the remembered Òrìsà.

Upon waking, we „dispatch the door“ („despachar a porta“), reciting words to seek a day of tranquility and harmony. Leaving home, we pour water on the street, appealing to Èsù Oná (The Lord of Paths), to pacify our journey and protect us from risks.

Entering a Candomblé house, we „dispatch the street“ („despachar a rua“), asking permission from the Gatekeepers, showing respect and requesting the water to cool the earth, preparing us for purification through Omi Ero or Omi Agbo before engaging in the Candomblé House (Terreiro de Asè). In ancient Keto, hands were washed with Omi Agbo upon entering the Terreiro.

Now let’s understand the ritual and it’s purposes.

THE RITUAL OF „OMI TUTU“: THE CALMING WATER

„Omi Tutu,“ or calming water, is an ancient ritual practiced in Nigeria, Angola, and Benin, and involves pouring water on the street or in front of the Terreiro or Ilé Asè.

The purposes of Omi Tutu are varied:

  • Cooling the path for arrivals and departures.
  • Extinguishing the trail of a negative ebó.
  • Opening paths for new, sensitive energy.
  • Welcoming guests, showing Èsù’s approval.
  • Sacrificing Obi or orogbo for good fortune.

This act, involving three deities—Èsù, Onilé, and Egungun—is meant to calm the deity and prepare for what follows. A Yorùbá saying goes, “Only Fresh Water Calms the Heat of the Earth.”

Common before entering sacred spaces or during and after rituals, it’s not just about pouring water, but also praying while doing so. The prayer goes:

Omi tutu
Omi tutu Èsù
Omi tutu Onilé
Omi tutu Egungun
Omi tutu Onã
Omi tutu mojubá o!

Translated, it means:

Water that calms (or cools)
Water that calms Èsù
Water that calms the Earth
Water that calms the Ancestors
Water that calms the Paths
Water that calms, I greet you.

By performing this, you nourish the deities with water, especially the Path. It’s always prudent to perform this ritual before or after leaving home, as per intuition. Simple yet powerful, this act allows the Orixá to work in our lives.

Take care of Èsù Onã, and you’ll find your path untroubled. Asé ó.

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