Babalu Aye is the Orisha of disease and healing.
He is represented as a beggar in sackcloth and walks with the
aid of crutches. He has a dog by his side. A small bag filled
with corn is slung across his chest. In Santeria he is represented
by Saint Lazarus, who came back from the dead. He is a most powerful
Orisha and can give wealth, health and prosperity to his followers.
He is usually associated with smallpox, leprosy and other skin
diseases. In modern times, he is associated with AIDS and people
pray to him to spare them.
It is said that Babalu Aye was punished by
Olofi for laying with a woman on a Holy Day and thus violating
the sacred. He was killed and only brought back to life by the
pleading of Oshun. In anger Babalu Aye is quick and terrible,
a most formidable enemy. His number is seventeen and his colors
lavender, black and brown. He is dressed in burlap adorned by
many cowry shells.
