The 17th of December, the day of Saint Lazarus, has arrived. How to venerate him on his day?

The day of our Old man San Lázaro Blessed adored in Cuba and in other parts of the world.

Since December 16 on his eve, everyone prepares to wait for him and celebrate him at home, others go to the Sanctuary of San Lázaro to surrender, implore him, offer him, pay his promises and, above all, to give thanks to the old man.

Due to the African heritage in the Yoruba religion it is syncretized with Babalú Ayé and also this day 17 is the day of the Orisha: "Father, lord of the earth."

Keep reading about the African deity ... Who is the Orisha Babalú Ayé?

The national sanctuary of San Lázaro is provided with two fundamental placements, one is located in the center which is where San Lázaro Obispo is located and to its left is San Lázaro Milagroso, the one who accompaniesañado with dogs licking his body covered in sores and him supporting himself on crutches.

December 17, celebration of the old man San Lázaro and the orisha Babalú Ayé

His day has always been eagerly awaited in almost every Cuban religious home for a long time. The houses are filled with lights adorning his image, while the faith and the purple color shelter his devotees.

To wait for the old man it is not necessary so much, because he is the merciful saint who appreciates humility and simplicity above all things.

Each one offers what they have and how they can, perhaps a small gourd with water and a cigar is enough if it is given with faith, devotion and love. You may even like this little offering more than a luxurious altar and a heart devoid of faith.

Remember: "The man who has faith, but acts without faith, then his faith is dead."

How can we make an Altar for him and serve him on his eve or celebration day? 10 Tips

Here I leave you a series of elements and offerings to attend to the Saint that I learned from my grandmother and that you can offer to the Patron of the poor to help you set goals, to alleviate discomfort and grant you health.

The color of Saint Lazarus is the color purple so in this color he is dressed with a cape covering his body. Or it is also usually made a layer of sack (jute) with purple trim.
Their sails are usually purple.
Its flowers are diverse, but many prefer purple gladioli or other purple flowers.
The altar or corner dedicated to the Old Man is adorned with caña brava, they usually put herbs that are their property such as caisimón, bitter broom, sage, the apasote for the shoots as our great Celia Cruz sang.
With the tied sage, a bundle is made and the home is cleaned from the inside out at the arrival of 12 at night on December 16, to eliminate negative energies on behalf of the old man.
They should not be short of prosperity grains of all kinds, including roasted corn, roasted corn on the cob, beans, rice, pigeon peas, peas, lentils, chickpeas, black beans and all kinds of beans.
Burnt bread, coconut water and red onion are also offered mainly.
Their drink is dry wine and they also put their cigars or cigars.
Others offer corojo butter, smoked fish and smoked jutia on a plate or in a gourd.
All the grains and other elements are put in a clay plate or gourd so that at 12 o'clock at night all those present begin to clean their bodies, starting from the oldest in the house to the youngest.

After cleaning, the grains are thrown into a basin or container, then they are taken to a bush.

Another work you can do on the day of Saint Lazarus

Take 17 cents and soak it in coconut water, blow dry wine and tobacco smoke.
On the 17th, go out and share them with a person who needs it.

With everyone's due respect and the blessing of what he administers to me, I shared some offerings that the old man will welcome with great love.

Whoever can do everything is welcome, but whoever cannot, who venerates and offers the miraculous old man flowers from the field, candle stumps or cigars, grains or coins that he has at home and a lot of faith, I am sure that old San Lázaro will not he will never ignore and listen to it.