The belief that Elegguá is the one who opens the paths is a central part of Yoruba cosmology, as well as African-American syncretic religions such as Santería. This belief is based on Elegguá's role as an intermediary between humans and the gods, as well as his association with roads and crossroads.
Elegguá is considered the guardian of crossroads and crossroads. He is seen as a deity who has the power to open or close the paths in a person's life. This not only refers to physical paths, but also spiritual and metaphorical paths, such as opportunities, relationships, and personal development.
The idea that Elegguá opens the paths is related to this deity's ability to clear obstacles and facilitate progress and prosperity in the lives of devotees. He is invoked and offerings are made to him to obtain his favor and protection, as well as to ask him to open new paths and opportunities.
The celebration of Elegguá can vary depending on the specific tradition within Santería or the African-American religion in which it is practiced. However, in general, Elegguá is honored and celebrated at different times and in various ways.
One of the most common ways to celebrate Elegguá is through rituals and ceremonies that involve offerings of food, drink, tobacco or other elements considered sacred. These offerings may include fruits, sweets, meat, fish, rum, and other objects deemed appropriate for the deity. Followers can also light candles and perform prayers and songs dedicated to Elegguá during these ceremonies. Additionally, Elegguá can be celebrated at festivals and special events held in honor of the orishas and deities of Santería. These events may include music, dance, food, and other forms of cultural expression that reflect devotion and respect toward Elegguá and other deities.
The offerings :
1-Fruits: Fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, oranges and coconuts are usually offered.
2-0Sweets: Sweets such as candy, honey and sweets are common in offerings to Elegguá.
3-Alcoholic beverages: Rum is a drink commonly offered to Elegguá as part of ritual libations. Other alcoholic beverages such as brandy can also be offered.
4-Tobacco: Cigars or tobacco are often part of the offerings to Elegguá. They can be placed lit as a form of reverence or as part of a specific ritual.
5- Flowers: Fresh flowers are offered, especially those in bright colors such as red and yellow.
6-Candles: Candles are used in rituals to illuminate and symbolize spiritual connection. Red and black candles are especially associated with Elegguá.
7- Food: Traditional foods such as rice, beans, meat and fish can be offered as part of the food offerings.
8- It is important to remember that offerings to Elegguá must be presented with respect and reverence, and must be made in accordance with the specific practices and traditions of Santería or other African American religion in which it is practiced.
1- Red and black: Red represents vitality, passion and energy, while black symbolizes the mysterious, the hidden and the deep.
2- Black and white: Elegguá Echu or Elegguá Eshu is associated with a combination of black and white. These colors reflect the duality of existence and the interconnected nature of all things.
In Cuban Santería it is syncretized with the Catholic saint San Antonio de Padua and is based on the similarities between the characteristics and functions of both. Saint Anthony is known in Catholic tradition as a saint who helps find lost things, as well as an intercessor in matters related to love and marriage. These characteristics overlap with those of Elegguá, who is considered a guardian of the paths, a messenger between humans and the gods, and a protector against dangers.
Also the "Child Atosha" is one of the representations of Elegguá, a deity of the Yoruba religion and Santería. In some Santería traditions, Elegguá is represented as a mischievous and playful child, and this representation is known as the "Atosha Child."
The Child Atosha is seen as a childlike manifestation of Elegguá, but still retains his wisdom and power. He is associated with youthful energy, curiosity and cunning. Although he is a child, he is considered a powerful deity who can open and close paths, clear obstacles, and protect his followers.