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The blending of two cultures often results in the development of a new religion. This was the case when the Americas were colonized and a large number of African slaves were brought to parts of North America, South America and the Caribbean. As African slaves were moved into new cultures, they brought their religious beliefs with them, and the religions of the Yorubapeople became the most prominent. To keep their religions alive, slaves added their beliefs to the traditions of Christianity, the predominant religion practiced by the colonizers. This blending of religions resulted in new traditions, such as Santeria and Voodoo.

Voodoo developed in Haiti and blends elements of Roman Catholicism and African religions. Followers of Voodoo attempted to hide their "pagan" religion from their masters, who had forbidden them to practice it. Haitian Voodoo made its way into the United States in the 1800s and exists primarily in New Orleans, but has also spread to large cities such as Miami, New York and Los Angeles.

Santeria ("Way of the Saints") is one of the most well-known of the blended religions. Santeria, strongly influenced by Spanish Catholicism, began in Cuba. In some respects, the religious practices of Santeria appear to conform to the Catholic beliefs of the Spaniards. For example, followers of Santeria ascribe Catholic saint identities to their native ochas, or deities. Santeria and the other religions of the Yoruba tradition believe in a single Yoruba god, a neutral energy that does not get involved in the affairs of humans. Instead, followers appeal to the ochas -- gods who have human characteristics -- for assistance with life issues. They are able to stay in contact with the ochas by performing rituals such as dancing, drumming and speaking with spirits.

Since rituals mainly take place in private homes or rented halls, there are few buildings devoted to Santeria. In some areas of the U.S. where there are large Hispanic populations, religious stores called botanicas offer customers access to materials used in Santeria rituals. The term botanica comes from botanicals or herbs. Many of the rituals involve special herbs, which are sometimes used as medicines. Other items found in the shops include novena candles, oils, incense, books and statues of saints. While there are plenty of items for practitioners of Santeria, shops are geared toward customers of all faiths and spiritual practices.

• What might you find in a botanica?
• Parts of the United States have botanicas, others don’t. What seems to determine where these shops can be found?
• What needs are filled by the botanicas? Why can't or don’t churches always fill these needs?
• Describe what Professor Flores called the "theology of the street."
• According to correspondent Saul Gonzalez, besides religious icons, what do the botanicas offer new immigrants?