Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 30, 2007—Revelers light candles along Rio's famed Copacabana beach on Sunday to honor the sea goddess Iemanja and ask for a lucky 2008.

Iemanja is an orisha, a deity of the Yoruba religion, which African slaves from southwestern Nigeria and Benin brought to Brazil in the 19th century. She is a patron of pregnant women and protector of children.

Today many Rio residents honor the goddess around New Year's Eve, gathering on the beaches to celebrate, watch fireworks, and send small offerings of candles and flowers floating into the sea.

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