When calling on Papa Legba to either open the gates or to petition him, you want to light the candles for him and always give an offering of rum. There are different ways of calling him to open the gates, but this is the one that we use-
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children are waiting.
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children await.
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children are waiting.
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children await.
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children are waiting.
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children await.
Papa Legba, open the gates. Your children await.
Papa Legba needs to be called on to open the gates before communicating with any of the Lwa.
His colors are red and black. The more you can incorporate these colors, the better. An altar with black and red cloths, black and red candles, red flowers, and various decorations is welcomed.
Offerings can be gifts for the altar such as items that he likes-pennies, copper, small toys, etc. Cigars, pipes and tobacco are also very good choices for offerings. Here are some more suggestions-
Coffee, rum, coconuts, peanuts, candies. Food offerings can include chicken, beef, spicy foods, breads, cakes, baked bananas, sweet potatoes, etc. Be creative. The Lwas have favorites, but do not like the same thing all the time.
Saturday is Papa Legba's day. However, he can be summoned at any time. Offerings and gifts can also be given at any time.
