Cooking for the Orishas is not a simple task, and while many people know how to cook, not everyone knows how to religious functions. The alashé is the person-usually women-cooking in Lukumí religious activities. This title has all but disappeared, replaced by the word cook in Spanish. The alashé is probably one of the most important person in a religious event in Lukumí since she is in charge of providing food to the gods and their representatives and devotees. The alashé cooks to the world of the divine and the profane, both equally demanding and often fastidious about their likes and dislikes.
In the past, during a sort, the ojigbona performed many of the functions of the alashé. The ojigbona was fully responsible for anything related to the / the iyawó. If something affected the iyawó during the period of withdrawal, the ojigbona would be accountable. Also ojigbona was required / or cook for Orishas iñalés of iyawó. On the morning of the second day, half-day of the ojigbona had to first wash the iyawó Orishas then cook and accompanying iñalés-Eko, ekurú, olele, Akara, yams, corn, and others-and put them up the Orishas of iyawó before noon.
Cooking for the deities is a very tedious task, as each Orisha has specific preferences regarding food that he or she accepts and preparation. The alashé must be well versed in these divine preference for not committing any violation of these taboos.
- Elegua meals, Ogun, Ochosi and Orishaoko be grilling, not guisarlos.
- Obatala meals are prepared with cocoa butter, shea, or pork, no salt, pepper or dry wine. You also can not use palm oil to cook for Obatala.
- However, the foods may carry Oduduwa palm oil and salt.
- The ram is the greatest taboo of Oya, and no food should be cooked it in a pan in which you cooked it.
- Shango meals and are peppery and spicy Aganju.
- Babalu Aye also likes pepper, pepper, and ginger, but not like a lot of salt.
- A Yemaya, Erinle, and Oshun likes sweet or glazed, almost caramelized.
- Meals for Yewa and Oba should be cooked by the woman.
- There are many observations which the alashé must follow strict accuracy if it will exercise its right and respectfully.
In addition to knowledge and caution, the alashé must also practice impeccable hygiene. Cleanliness is essential in a Lukumi kitchen. She should shower as soon as you get out of bed, before entering the kitchen. You must have your hair up and keep your hands and nails especially clean.
The Lukumi kitchen should be spotless. When alashé reaches the ile, she should check the kitchen to ensure you have everything you need, including cleaning supplies such as detergents, dish towels, sponges, paper towels and other goodies. Personally wash all utensils and pots, though they seem to be clean.
In addition, every time she takes a pan or casserole, should sure it is clean, and at least rinse with hot water before use. She must ensure that each food has its own bucket with which to stir, and that they do not mix. It is wrong and dangerous to take the spoon used to stir food and use it to stir another, as the Orishas and Olorishas have their taboos Ewos-alashé-specific and extreme caution not to mix food or buckets so that she not violate an Ewo.
In the kitchen area should be spotless and free of clutter, including people who are in the activity. The only other person may be in the immediate area of the kitchen during the Religious food preparation is that which is directly involved with the preparation of meals. Typically in the kitchen there is the alashé and an assistant.
Uncover casserole without the consent of an alashé is an act that most alashés considered highly disrespectful. Nobody, not even the owner to the ile, has the right to meddle in the affairs of the kitchen when a alashé person in charge of it.
Under ideal conditions, the Lukumi kitchen should be cooking and serving utensils for each Orisha Each Orisha has its own, pans, plates, bowls, ladles, tongs, cups, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils.
