Osha Elekes (Necklaces): what they are, what they mean, and how they are received
The elekes, also called Osha necklaces o Santeria necklacesThese are consecrated necklaces with colorful beads that represent the Orishas. They are not mere accessories: within the Rule of Osha, they function as symbols of protection, religious connection, respect, and spiritual belonging.
The first elekes that a person receives usually correspond to the fundamental Orishas of Osha: Eleguá, Obatalá, Yemayá, Oshún and ShangóEach necklace has colors, sequences, and rules of use related to the deity it represents.
Receiving the elekes marks an important step for the initiate, as it establishes a formal relationship with the Orishas and the religious house that guides them. Therefore, they should not be understood as ordinary necklaces or worn merely for aesthetic reasons, but rather as religious symbols received through ceremony from an authorized godfather or godmother.
Quick fact sheet of the elekes
| Element | Traditional description |
|---|---|
| Name | Elekes, Osha necklaces or Santeria necklaces. |
| Principal function | To represent the bond with the Orishas, to provide spiritual protection, and to mark a step within religious life. |
| Main Orishas | Eleguá, Obatalá, Yemayá, Oshún and Shangó. |
| Who receives them | The aleyo or person who begins to formally associate with the Rule of Osha. |
| Who delivers them | A godfather or godmother with religious authority within the house of the saint. |
| How are they received? | Through a ceremony of bestowing necklaces, after their preparation and ritual consecration. |
| Use | They are used with respect, following rules of care, cleanliness and religious conduct. |
| Warning | Buying a colorful necklace does not equate to receiving consecrated elekes. |
What are elekes?
The elekes They are religious necklaces made up of beads, also called matipóswhose colors represent different Orishas. In the Rule of Osha, these necklaces are not valued solely for their shape or color, but for the ceremony through which they are prepared, consecrated, and given to the initiate.
Each eleke expresses a spiritual relationship with the Orisha it represents. Therefore, when a person receives their necklaces, they are not receiving an ornament, but a symbol of protection, commitment, and religious belonging.
Elekes are usually received at the beginning of one's religious path. For many people, they represent the first formal contact with the house of worship and with the Orishas who begin to accompany them in their lives. They are also believed to offer protection against negative energies, osogbos (a type of misfortune), spiritual difficulties, and disturbances that may affect the believer's path.
In many religious houses, necklaces of the five main Orishas of Osha—Eleguá, Obatalá, Yemayá, Oshún, and Shangó—are given out. However, the protocols may vary depending on the branch, the house's tradition, and the guidance received during a consultation.
What is the meaning of necklaces in Santería?
In Santería, necklaces symbolize the bond between a person and the Orishas. They represent protection, respect, faith, religious obedience, and formal entry into the life of Osha. They also signify that the initiate begins their journey under the guidance of a religious house, a godfather or godmother, and a set of rules they must respect.
The meaning of the elekes is not limited to the colors. Each necklace represents a specific spiritual force: Eleguá opens and closes paths; Obatalá gives clarity, peace, and stability; Yemayá protects and sustains; Oshún attracts sweetness, love, and development; Shangó brings strength, firmness, and victory.
Receiving elekes also implies commitment. The person must learn how to wear them, when to take them off, how to care for them, what to avoid, and what to do if they break or fall off. From that moment on, the necklaces cease to be external objects and become a visible sign of a relationship with the Orishas.
What are the 5 elekes of Osha?
The five main elekes of Osha usually correspond to Eleguá, Obatalá, Yemayá, Oshún and ShangóThese necklaces represent fundamental deities within the Rule of Osha and are given in the necklace imposition ceremony, according to the tradition of each house.
| Orisha | Color of the eleke | Main meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Elegua | Red and black. | Paths, opening, protection, destiny and movement. |
| Obatala | White. | Peace, head, purity, clarity, health and balance. |
| Yemaya | Blue and transparent. | Motherhood, sea, protection, fertility and spiritual support. |
| Oshun | Yellow, amber or brown. | Love, sweetness, wealth, rivers, fertility and charm. |
| Shango | Red and white. | Strength, justice, fire, drum, virility and victory. |
These five necklaces should not be confused with other devotional or popular necklaces, such as the Seven African Powers necklace. Osha elekes are received during a ceremony and become linked to the person's religious path.
Colors of Santeria necklaces and their meaning
The colors of Santería necklaces identify the Orisha they represent. Each color has a symbolic and spiritual language, related to the attributes, paths, and powers of the deity.
Eleguá's necklace: red and black
Necklace Elegua It is usually made with red and black beads. These colors represent opening and closing, beginning and end, the movement of paths, and the Orisha's ability to allow or stop passage.
Eleguá is the owner of the roads and a fundamental messenger within the Orisha tradition. Therefore, his eleke (beaded necklace) holds an important place among the necklaces received. It is associated with protection, development, opportunities, and defense against obstacles.
According to the religious house, Eleguá's necklace may have variations in the sequence of beads, including combinations of red and black, the presence of white, jet beads, or alternating beads. The exact form must respect the tradition of the house that consecrates it.
Obatalá necklace: white
Necklace Obatala It is primarily white. This color represents purity, peace, clarity, the head, serenity, and balance. Obatalá is considered the father of the Orishas and the owner of heads, which is why his necklace is associated with tranquility, health, and spiritual harmony.
In some homes, the eleke of Obatalá may incorporate slight variations with beads of other colors, depending on the path of the Orisha or the received tradition. Even so, white remains its dominant color.
Yemayá necklace: blue and transparent
Necklace Yemaya She often uses blue or transparent beads, or combinations of colors related to the sea. Yemayá represents motherhood, protection, fertility, emotional depth, and the sustenance of life.
Its colors evoke water, waves, motherhood, and the deep movement of the ocean. That is why its eleke is associated with maternal protection, emotional stability, and spiritual shelter.
Oshun necklace: yellow, amber or brown
Necklace Oshun She is often associated with yellow, amber, gold, or brown, depending on the house and path. Oshun is the owner of rivers, sweetness, femininity, love, wealth, and attraction.
Her eleke represents sweetness, charm, ease, fertility, love, and prosperity. It also reminds us that Oshun governs not only pleasure and beauty, but also the ability to smooth difficult paths and attract blessings.
Shango necklace: red and white
Necklace Shango It is made with red and white beads. These colors represent strength, fire, justice, drums, virility, command, and victory. Shangó is king, warrior, owner of lightning and the batá drums.
Her eleke is associated with firmness, leadership, power, defense against enemies, and the ability to overcome difficulties. In tradition, red and white express her fiery energy, her authority, and her connection to justice.
How are the elekes received?
The elekes are received through a ceremony known as imposition of collarsIn some houses it is also called half-saint o half seatalthough the names and forms may vary according to the religious branch.
Before being given out, the necklaces undergo preparation and consecration ceremonies. It's not simply a matter of placing a purchased necklace around the neck of the initiate, but rather of bestowing upon them a religious foundation that has been prepared within the house of worship.
The ceremony usually takes place at the godparent's house, with the help of the oyugbona or other elders of the household. The atmosphere should be one of respect, cleanliness, tranquility, and spiritual well-being.
During the ceremony, the initiate receives the necklaces and is informed of the rules they must respect. They also establish a commitment to their godparent, the religious house, and the Orishas who begin to accompany them more directly.
Who gives out the Osha necklaces?
The Osha necklaces must be given by a godfather or godmother with religious authority within the Rule of Osha. This person assumes spiritual responsibility for the initiate and guides them in the respect, care, and proper use of the elekes (beaded necklaces).
The necklace ceremony should not be taken lightly. The recipient becomes linked to a religious house and a line of ancestors. Therefore, before receiving them, it is advisable to carefully choose the godparents and fully understand the commitment involved in entering into this religious relationship.
Receiving elekes is not an isolated act. It marks the beginning of a bond of learning, respect, and guidance within the religion.
Who can receive elekes?
Elekes can be received by someone who wishes to be initiated into or begin a formal relationship with the Rule of Osha. They are often received as a result of a consultation, for protection, for health, for spiritual stability, or for guidance from the Orishas.
In some homes it is recommended that the reception of elekes occur after receiving Orula's Hand, whereas in other traditions it may be done earlier, depending on the consultation and the path of the initiate.
The important thing is that they are not received out of fashion, pressure, or curiosity. The bestowal of necklaces implies respect, rules, commitment, and a spiritual relationship with the Orishas and the religious house.
Can you buy Santeria elekes?
You can find colorful necklaces associated with the Orishas online, but within the Rule of Osha, an eleke doesn't acquire its religious significance simply by being strung with the correct colors. For it to function as a consecrated necklace, it must undergo the corresponding ceremony and be given by an authorized godfather, godmother, or olorisha.
Buying a necklace can serve as a decorative, cultural, or devotional object, but it is not equivalent to receiving elekes within the religion. The difference lies in the consecration, the prayers, the ceremony, the connection with the religious house, and the rules that the initiate must respect after receiving them.
Therefore, although a store may sell necklaces with the colors of Eleguá, Obatalá, Yemayá, Oshún or Shangó, religiously those necklaces do not replace the imposition of elekes or the relationship with the elders of the house of saint.
Spiritual benefits of receiving necklaces
The benefits of receiving elekes should not be understood as automatic promises, but as blessings sought through the ceremony, the protection of the Orishas, and compliance with religious rules.
- Spiritual protection: The elekes are received to protect the aleyo from osogbos, negative charges and energies.
- Connection with the Orishas: They represent a more direct relationship with the main deities of Osha.
- Stability: They can accompany processes of spiritual, emotional, and religious ordering.
- Health & Wellness: Many people receive them as a recommendation for consultation to seek balance and protection.
- Entry into religious life: They mark a first formal step within the Rule of Osha.
- Spiritual guide: The initiate begins to walk under the guidance of godfather, godmother and religious house.
- Commitment: They teach discipline, respect, and care for the Orishas.
The true value of elekes lies not only in receiving them, but in knowing how to honor them. Those who receive necklaces must learn to respect and care for them, and live with a greater awareness of the relationship they have begun with the Orishas.
Types of necklaces in Santeria
Within the Rule of Osha, there are different types of necklaces. Some are used more daily, others belong to major ceremonies, and others are reserved for presentations or specific religious moments.
Simple necklace
The simple necklace is the most common type of eleke. It is worn around the neck and is made up of small, shiny, opaque, or translucent beads, depending on the family tradition. Its length is usually adapted to the person who will receive it.
These necklaces represent the Orishas and are used as a symbol of protection, respect, and religious bond.
Double strand necklace
The double-strand necklace consists of two parallel strings of beads. Its use may appear in specific religious contexts, especially when related to the person's guardian Orisha or certain Osha ceremonies.
It is not a generic necklace. Its making and use depend on the religious house, the corresponding saint, and the foundation with which it was prepared.
Mallet necklace
El mallet collarThe presentation necklace, also called the presentation necklace, is used in important ceremonies, especially when a person is going to be initiated into Osha or when participating in certain religious acts.
It is longer and more elaborate than ordinary necklaces. It can have several strands, large beads, and combinations of beads associated with the corresponding Orisha. It is not usually worn daily; in many homes, it is placed on top of tureens or reserved for ceremonies.
Rules for using the elekes
Elekes must be used with respect. As they represent the Orishas, there are rules of care and conduct that the aleyo (new initiate) must learn from their godfather or godmother. The rules may vary depending on the house, but some recommendations are common.
| Ruler | Religious sense |
|---|---|
| Do not use them at parties or in messy environments. | They are kept from being exposed to charged energies, excesses, or disrespect. |
| Do not bathe with the necklaces on. | They are protected from ordinary water, perfumes, chemicals, and ritual deterioration. |
| Do not sleep with them. | Physical damage, collar breakage, or risk of suffocation is avoided. |
| Do not lend them or give them away. | They are personal and are linked to the religious path of the person who received them. |
| Do not use them during sexual intercourse. | They withdraw out of respect for the Orishas and the religious foundation. |
| Do not consume alcohol or drugs while wearing them. | Mixing the fundamental principles with states of lack of control or disrespect is avoided. |
| Don't drop them on the floor. | If it happens accidentally, they get up respectfully and consult the godfather or godmother if necessary. |
| Store them in a white cloth. | They are kept clean, protected and separate from profane objects. |
It is also customary to avoid profanity, cursing, or disrespectful behavior while wearing them. The use of elekes should not be separated from the religious conduct of the wearer.
How do you care for Santeria necklaces?
Santería necklaces should be cared for with cleanliness, respect, and discretion. When not in use, many houses recommend storing them in a white cloth, preventing them from becoming tangled, dirty, or exposed in inappropriate places.
They must not get wet with ordinary water, perfumes, excessive sweat, chemicals, or water from swimming pools and beaches. They may only refresh or cleanse themselves as instructed by their godfather or godmother, using omiero, coconut water, or other elements permitted by the religious house.
If an eleke breaks, falls off, or has any other problem, it should not be repaired haphazardly or treated like an ordinary necklace. The correct course of action is to consult with the person who gave it to you to find out what should be done.
Why shouldn't you sleep with Santeria necklaces on?
You should not sleep with Santería necklaces on, out of respect, for ritual care, and also for physical safety. During sleep, the necklace can become tangled, break, or cause discomfort. In some cases, it can even pose a risk of suffocation.
Furthermore, the elekes should be removed at times when the person cannot consciously care for them. Sleeping, bathing, having sexual relations, or entering inappropriate environments are situations where many houses recommend removing them.
There may be specific exceptions, such as sleeping with the Obatalá necklace for a health indication or consultation, but that should be guided by the godfather, godmother or the corresponding religious house.
What happens if an eleke breaks?
When an eleke breaks, it shouldn't be taken as a simple, insignificant accident, but neither should it be automatically interpreted as a tragedy. It could be due to wear and tear, neglect, physical strain, or a spiritual sign that should be consulted.
The correct procedure is to collect the beads respectfully, not to throw them away, not to re-strung them on your own, and to contact your godparent. The religious house will determine if the necklace needs to be refreshed, repaired, consulted, or receive any other care.
Since elekes are personal and consecrated, any damage should be treated with care and not as if it were ordinary jewelry.
Necklace of the Seven African Powers
El necklace of the Seven African Powers It should not be confused with the main Osha elekes received in ceremony. Although it also uses colors associated with various Orishas, it is usually used in contexts of protection, popular devotion, and petitioning for strength in the face of difficulties.
The Seven African Powers usually bring together important deities from the Yoruba pantheon, such as Obatalá, Shangó, Eleguá, Oshún, Oggún, Orunmila and Yemayá, although the lists may vary according to tradition.
This necklace is used as a symbol of unity, protection, strength, prosperity, harmony, and spiritual support during difficult times. However, it does not replace the ceremony of receiving the elekes (beaded necklaces) nor is it equivalent to receiving the consecrated necklaces of Osha.
Difference between elekes, Orisha necklaces and decorative necklaces
The main difference lies in the consecration. A decorative necklace may have the colors of an Orisha, but it doesn't necessarily have religious significance. An Orisha necklace may represent devotion or cultural identity, but an Osha eleke must be prepared and given through a ceremony.
Therefore, when discussing elekes in a religious sense, it is not enough to simply look at the colors. One must consider who gave it, how it was prepared, what ceremony was performed, and what rules the person received after receiving it.
This distinction is important because many people buy necklaces in stores thinking that this equates to receiving religious protection. In Osha, a consecrated necklace is not defined solely by its appearance, but by the sacred foundation that accompanies it.
Frequently asked questions about elekes
What are elekes?
The elekes are consecrated necklaces of colored beads that represent the Orishas and are received through a ceremony within the Rule of Osha.
What do Santeria necklaces mean?
They symbolize protection, a link with the Orishas, religious respect, and the formal entry of the aleyo into the life of Osha.
What are the 5 elekes?
The five most common elekes are those of Eleguá, Obatalá, Yemayá, Oshún and Shangó.
What colors are Osha necklaces?
Eleguá uses red and black; Obatalá, white; Yemayá, blue and transparent; Oshún, yellow, amber or brown; and Shangó, red and white.
Can you buy elekes?
You can buy necklaces with Orisha colors, but religiously an eleke must be consecrated and given in ceremony to have foundation.
Why can't you sleep with Santeria necklaces on?
Out of respect, ritual care, and physical safety. In some houses, sleeping with certain necklaces is only permitted under specific instructions.
What happens if an eleke breaks?
You should consult with the godfather or godmother, because it could be wear and tear, an accident, or a sign that requires religious attention.
What is the difference between a purchased necklace and a consecrated eleke?
The purchased necklace may have the correct colors, but the consecrated eleke has gone through ceremony, prayers, ritual preparation, and religious delivery.
