Oxumaré

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Candomblé is an Afro-American religion widely practised in Brazil. Òsùmàrè (a word in nagô language) is the proper name of the rainbow-serpent of Candomble mythology. The rainbow-serpent represents mobility and activity, and it controls the forces that direct movement. Osumare is the Lord of all elongated things. The umbilical cord, for instance, is under its control. In Candomble ritual, the umbilical cord is buried with the placenta under a palm tree, which becomes property of the newborn baby. The child's health will depend on the good conservation of this tree and on Osumare.