SHANGO
Yoruba Storm God
Also known as Chango, Xango
Nicely syncopated Spirit of Thunder, Drums and Dance
He is the God of Thunder and War. These always go together, don’t they? One day we hope to find a God of Thunder and Peace.
He was long ago elevated to the Orishas after a glorious career as fourth King and warrior hero of the Yoruba. Now he bangs the drum for his people and plays rolling rhythms on his storm clouds.
When thunder is heard, you should salute him by crying ‘Cabio Sile Shango’, or words to that effect.
Shango leads a full red-blooded life and likes to party. He is in great demand as a drummer and his dancing talents cause severe outbreaks of funkiness wherever perpetrated.
His special Feast Day is 4th of December and during this time he has a piper employed to play all the latest hits. His special number is six, and his favorite colors are red and white. He likes animals, particularly dogs. He also favors roosters and turtles, although we think these are more for eating than companionship. If you invite him to a feast you will need to stock up on bananas, apples, cornmeal, okra, red wine and rum.
Very much the ladies man, Shango does have a relationship with Oya which can at times get pretty tempestuous. He does not get on well with his brother Ogun and is not averse to a good punch-up. But on the whole he’s a great God to have on your side as he is loyal, protective and — as far as we’re concerned — extremely groovy.
Shango Facts and Figures
Name: Shango
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Chango, Xango
Gender: Male
Type: God
Area or people: Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role:
In charge of: Storms
Area of expertise: Storms
Good/Evil Rating: GOOD, quite approachable
Popularity index: 57257
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Article last revised on May 19, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.