Botánica
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A botánica is a religious goods store. The name botánica is Spanish and translates as "botany" or "plant store," referring to these establishments' function as dispensaries of medicinal herbs. Botánic
Botánicas such as this one in Wheaton, Maryland, cater to the Latino community and sell goods and services to address spiritual or physical needs.
Botánicas, such as this one in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, cater to the Latino community and sell folk medicine alongside statues of Catholic saints, candles decorated with prayers, lucky bamboo, and other items.
Colors and smells of Santeria: colorful assortment of items sold in a botánica.
Santería
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Santería, also known as Regla de Ocha, Regla Lucumí, or Lucumí, is an African diaspora religion that developed in Cuba during the late 19th century. It arose amid a process of syncretism between the t
A group of Santería practitioners performing the Cajón de Muertos ceremony in Havana in 2011
A figure at the Templo Yemalla, an ilé (house of worship) devoted to the oricha Yemaja in Trinidad, Cuba
One of the most prominent oricha is Eleguá, who is represented by small cement heads kept in the home.
Offerings before a statue of Saint Lazarus in Havana; this saint represents the oricha Babalú Ayé