An Erê or Eré, from Yoruba iré, is seen as a spirit that manifests themself at the beginning of the initiate's trance and serves as an intermediary between the initiate and the orisha and brings their messages because, in Candomblé, the orisha does not speak.
Legend[]
The behavior of the initiate in a state of erê tends to be childish, fleeing the rigid and conventional character attributed to their orisha. They are shown to be restless, noisy, and, at times, quarrelsome. The erês receive names linked to the initiate's orisha, for example: Pipocão and Formigão, for the children of Abaluaiê; Pingo Verde and Folhinha Verde, for the children of Oxóssi; Rosinha, for the children of Oxum; Conchinha Dourada, for the children of Iemanjá; etc.
Erê knows all the concerns of the Iyawo, he is also called Omon-tú, "new child". They are responsible for many rites passed during the period of seclusion. Erê is sometimes confused with the Ibeji.
Erês in Umbanda[]
In Umbanda, erês, ibejada, dois-dois crianças, or ibejis are childlike entities that symbolize purity, innocence or simplicity, and they indulge in games and fun. It is asked them for help with children, to be confided with secret, and to solve problems. It is generally assumed that they are spirits that disincarnated at a young age and bring characteristics of their last incarnation, such as childish mannerisms and speech, and a taste for toys and sweets.
Erês are said to have chose to continue their spiritual evolution through practice of charity, incorporating themselves into mediums in Umbanda terreiros. They are regarded as messengers of the orishas, being respected by the Caboclos and Pretos-Velhos.