According to the Dicionário de Cultos Afro - Brasileiros (Dictionary of Afro - Brazilian Religions), the washing of the steps of the Bonfim is closely related to a Yoruba ceremony called water of Oxalá, which involves the ritual washing of the otás (sacred stones) of Oxalá.
Menurut Dicionário de Cultos Afro - Brasileiros (Kamus Agama - Agama Afrika - Brasil), pencucian anak tangga gereja di Bonfim erat kaitannya dengan suatu upacara Yoruba yang disebut air Oxalá, yang mencakup ritus pencucian otá (batu - batu keramat) Oxalá.