When people begin the week-long initiation process into Santería, they symbolically die and are reborn. Their old life ends, and a new one begins. During that week, in fact, during the entire first year after the initiation ceremony ends, new initiates are called iyawó/ yawó (pronounced: ya-WOH, or ya-BOH). Iyawó is a Lucumí word that's usually translated "bride of the Orichá" (regardless of the sex the initiate), but it's also correct to think of the iyabó as a "novice" in the religion. The year is a period of purification and rejuvination, as the iyabó gets used to interacting with the Orichás in a more intimate way. Most iyabós are immediately recognizable because they dress head to toe in white and cover the head with a scarf or hat. They wear their beaded elekes (necklaces), and when out and about on the street, they may be accompanied by a godparent or elder in the religion, as if they were a young child venturing out with an adult. The white represents purity, peace of mind and spiritual clarity, and the protective behavior of other Santeros/as toward iyabós reflects the belief that they're the bride or groom of the Orichás and must be treated with great care. Iyabós are expected to act with decorum at all times, and respect the prohibitions and taboos that are part of the iyaboraje.