Shango
| Shango | |
|---|---|
Thunder, Lightning, Fire, Justice, Dance, Virility | |
| Member of the Orisha | |
Representation of Ṣàngó, National Museum of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro | |
| Other names | Sango, Ṣàngó, Changó, Xangô, Jakuta, Hevioso, Siete Rayos |
| Venerated in | Yoruba religion, Dahomey mythology, Ewe religion, Vodun, Santería, Umbanda, Candomblé, Haitian Vodou, Louisiana Voodoo, Folk Catholicism |
| Day | The fifth day of the week |
| Color | Red and White |
| Region | Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Latin America |
| Ethnic group | Yoruba people, Fon people, Ewe people |
| Genealogy | |
| Spouse | Oya, Oba, Osun |
| Children | Ibeji |
| Equivalents | |
| Norse | Thor |
| Vodún | Hevioso |
| Catholicism | Saint Barbara |
| Igbo | Amadioha |
| Part of a series on |
| Yorùbá people |
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Shango (Yoruba: Ṣàngó) is the Orisha (or deity) of fire, thunder, lightning, virility, dance, drumming, strength and justice in the Yoruba religion. Genealogically, Shango is a royal ancestor of the Yoruba as he was the third Alaafin of the Oyo Empire prior to his posthumous deification. Shango is believed to have numerous manifestations as various historical and legendary figures, including Airá, Agodo, Afonja, Lubé, and Obomin. He is known for his double-headed battle-axe (Oṣé). He is considered to be one of the most powerful rulers that Yorubaland has ever produced.
In the New World, he is syncretized with either Saint Barbara or Saint Jerome.