EXÚ

The messenger
Exu, © Francisco Santos

The figure of Exú possesses a special status within Candomblé. He is called the servant or better the messenger of the Orixás. His function is mediation among the Orixás, between humans and Orixás, and among humans themselves.
He is the dynamic capacity of anything that possesses life (anything alive) and as a messenger provides harmony in the interaction between deities.

If ignored, he creates harm. Therefore all religious acts commence with a gift to Exú - also to establish communication between the two parties. Exú can be very bold, jealous, and impulsive. The somewhat contradicting character of Exú: When sitting on the floor, his head touches the ceiling, if he stands up he is as tall as a carpet.
His colors are red and black, his symbol is the trident. He lives in the streets and doorways, his element is fire and Monday is his day.


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