Ponto de Obaluaê - Povo do Ayê

Juliana D Passos' song "Ponto de Obaluaê - Povo do Ayê" is a profound homage to Obaluaê, a revered deity in Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda. The lyrics are rich with spiritual and cultural references, creating a vivid tapestry that honors the divine presence of Obaluaê, also known as Omolu or Xapanã, the orixá associated with healing, disease, and death.

The song begins with a call for silence, signifying the solemnity and respect required in the presence of Obaluaê. The imagery of the sun taking the form of an orixá descending into the terreiro (sacred space) sets a powerful scene. The mention of the ylá, a sacred instrument, emphasizes the connection between the divine and the earthly realm, as its sound is likened to the cry of death, underscoring Obaluaê's dominion over life and death. The repeated invocation of "atotô," a term of reverence, further highlights the deep respect and veneration for this powerful deity.

The lyrics also weave in other orixás, such as Ogum and Oyá, illustrating the interconnectedness of the spiritual pantheon. Ogum's actions, like braiding his maryô with palm leaves, symbolize protection and strength, while the winds of Oyá represent change and transformation. The preparation of Olubajé, a ritual feast for Obaluaê, and the use of black and white beads for the abadá (ritual garment) signify the balance of life and death, purity and impurity. The ogã's drumming on the atabaque (drum) and the invocation of Axé (spiritual energy) encapsulate the communal and rhythmic nature of worship in these traditions.

The song's chorus, urging the people of Ayê (the earthly realm) to sing and honor Obaluaê, reinforces the communal aspect of this spiritual practice. The lyrics reflect a deep connection to the divine, a reverence for the mysteries of life and death, and a celebration of the orixá's power to heal and transform. By invoking Olorum, the supreme deity, for permission to speak Obaluaê's name, the song acknowledges the sacredness and profound respect embedded in these spiritual traditions.