Xango

Xangô is an entity (Orixá) widely worshiped by Afro-Brazilian religions, considered the god of justice, lightning, thunder and fire, in addition to being known as the protector of intellectuals.

Compared to other deities, Xangô would be the equivalent of Zeus, for the Greeks, Tupã, for the Tupi-Guarani, Jupiter, in Roman mythology, or Odin, for the Scandinavians.

This orixá is considered the master of wisdom, generating the power of politics and justice. Believers in its existence turn to it to solve problems related to documents, studies, intellectual works, etc.

Etymologically, Xangô is a word of Yoruba origin, where the suffix "Xa" means "sir"; "angô" (AG + NO = "hidden fire") and "Gô", can be translated to "ray" or "soul". Therefore, "Xangô" would mean "lord of the hidden fire".

According to legend, Xangô was the king of Òyó - a region that is now Nigeria - and had an authoritarian and violent character, in addition to being extremely virile, daring, vain and vigilante. Known for practicing hard, fair and blind justice, like a rock - which is another element that represents him: the rock.

Umbanda and Candomblé, religions of Afro-Brazilian origin, have celebrations and cults in honor of Xangô, considered a son of Yemanjá and married to three other deities: Iansã, Oxum and Obá.

The "Axe of Xangô" or Oxé, is the main symbol of Xangô. The weapon is a two-blade ax that, when their "children" (people who within the Umbanda and Candomblé cults embody the spirit of Xangô) are in a trance, they carry it with their hands.