Ponto de Oxum

The song "Ponto de Oxum" performed by Maria Bethânia is a musical piece that pays homage to the Yoruba deity Oxum, known in the Afro-Brazilian religious tradition of Candomblé. The lyrics are relatively simple but carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. The repetitive phrases, such as 'Nhem-nhem-nhem' and 'Nhem-nhem ô xororô,' are reminiscent of the chants and rhythms found in Candomblé ceremonies, which are designed to invoke the presence of the orixás, the deities of the religion.

The reference to Oxum as a queen 'Na mão direita tinha / O seu espelho onde vivia / A se mirar' (In her right hand had / Her mirror where she lived / To look at herself) speaks to the attributes commonly associated with Oxum. She is often depicted as the goddess of beauty, love, and fertility, and is symbolized by the mirror, which reflects her vanity and her connection to freshwater bodies. The song's chorus, 'É o mar, é o mar / Fé-fé xororô,' could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of Oxum's dominion over waters, which in the Yoruba belief system, are sources of life and sustenance.

Maria Bethânia, a renowned Brazilian singer, is known for her emotive performances and her deep connection to Brazilian culture, including its African roots. Her interpretation of "Ponto de Oxum" is likely to be imbued with the reverence and passion characteristic of her style. The song serves not only as a piece of entertainment but also as a cultural artifact that celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Afro-Brazilian spirituality.