Iemanjá

The festival of Iemanjá takes place in many places all over Brazil and South America. Iemanjá is the Orixá or Goddess of the living ocean and is considered the Mother of all. She is the source of all the waters. It is believed that she watches over sailors and fishermen and controls their catches. She is very powerful, and is concerned with every aspect of womanhood, fertility and family; she is also the protector of children. She often is depicted as a mermaid and is always dressed in either white or blue. In the Santo Daime, we see Iemanjá as similar to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For Spiritual traditions such as the Santo Daime, Umbanda, Condomble and Santeria, this deity is celebrated on February 2nd around the world. As such, Iemanjá Day is a syncretism that unites Christianity with African-Brazilian religions. Participants honor the Queen of the Sea with offerings of flowers, costume jewelry, food, and vials of perfume, all of which are displayed along the neighborhood's beaches.