This land received the name If (large abode). Ogun is the god of iron; hence, he rules over metalworking and alchemy. Like the gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt and Rome, there is always a supreme being keeping watch over all. The god dresses in seven skirts of blue and white, and like the seas and deep lakes, she is deep and unknowable. This defense was a top priority in a hostile place like West Africa. He is the benevolent version of Loki in African mythology and a wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness. This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. He knows all the occult powers and rules. Her color is maroon. On top of the ocean, Yemaya rules over maternity in people's lives as she is the Mother of All. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orisha, which is associated with a sacred number. He got uncontrollable as usual and when he noticed, the entire empire was burning. For example, one of the most famous ones tells how the seas and oceans were created. It is said she had some children, but two of them symbolize opposite aspects of life. Smart! Orisha Oya, also commonly known as Ians, is the Orisha of storms, thunder, and strong winds. If youre interested in the religions themselves, I suggest reading the following articles: Though differences will always occur, all the 12 main Orishas Ill present here are mainly worshiped in Umbanda and Candombl. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. They often act on behalf of the worshippers on Earth and even sometimes against them. It is said he punishes all those who lie and deceive others. (2020, August 27). Be sure to check my YouTube Channel and follow me on Twitter too! He also demanded that these seven backed yams should be planted in front of everyone. Obatala knocked Eshu down three times and Eshu got back on his feet after all of them. Description . She is a rather tempestuous, commanding orisha, responsible for windstorms and electrocution. He tried to punish her, but she fled. His element is fire and he wears black and red clothes. Obatala created trees, animals, and many other things. Orisha Omulu is quiet and vengeful. Orisha Sango wears red clothes and carries two double axes in his hands. In Yorubaland, a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo, there is the Orishas. "The Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya." Though a specific number can't be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is an exciting notion around it. Hence, his being is deeply rooted in the Yoruba peoples psychology. Oba is linked to rivers, marriage, fertility, and restoration. Being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the lifeblood of the Niger River. Some say Shango had 3 wives. Orunla, or Orunmila, is the wise orisha of divination and human destiny. It is said that Ogun had many lovers. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. People who can play Buzios are actually asking the Orishas for answers. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. White is also a color that represents her. In addition to the orishas, there are also the Ajogun; these represent negative forces in the universe. Lambs are sacred to her. The idea was to create a space where all of them could go not only to play but also to walk and do other things. Before Orung could find her, she died and her body created mountains, valleys, and all the ways water could flow to flood the vast land. One story suggests that Osumare disliked this changing nature because he couldnt have any stable relationships. He wears light green and blue clothes. Sometimes these Orishas would go down from the sky using spiderwebs to play in the water. While Eshu Elegbara opens the road, Ogun clears it with his machete. We also have lots of syncretism involved which contributed to the spread of their worship inside Christian beliefs too. Irunmole took upon a human identity and lived as ordinary humans in the physical world, but because they had their origin in the divine, they had great wisdom and power at the moment of their creation. How many orishas can you have? After this, she fled to the top of a mountain, but he followed her. Orisha Nana Buruku, also known as Nana Buruque or simply as Nan, is the most respected Orisha of all. He then shouted: Is the king a king even when he wears no clothes?. In addition to these two deities, a person can incorporate the protection of other gods, completing the maximum number of seven orishas. In one tale, the orishas decided that they no longer needed Olodumare. Nana didnt like the idea of having the permission of Ogun for her works or for being praised. He is the patron of hunters even though Osain himself has given up the hunt. In. In this story, we have Obatala (the Sky) and Odudua (the primordial earth) this is a similar motif found in many other mythologies such as the story of Gaia and Uranos in Greek Mythology and Nut and Geb and Egyptian Mythology. It is said she couldnt have any child of her own. There are around 400 orishas, but only 20 are regularly worshiped in Cuba. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". Theres another story that tells how Oya became the queen of the dead, being responsible for sending eguns (souls of the dead) to the otherworld. Chang is another . Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. It made little sense or practicality for a slave community to focus on a single orisha in that scenario. He is also married to Obba but has relations with Oya and Oshun. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. Thanks! The concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. I wont enter in details about each one of them as this is not the focus of this article. What is a good starter tarot deck? Catherine Beyer is a practicing Wiccan who has taught religion in at Lakeland College in Wisconsin as well as humanities and Western culture at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas. This trend is encouraged by the fact that each Santeria community today remains independent of other communities. The others were dancing and drinking a lot. Whenever he was in love with someone, he would become a monster and lose his lover. He also looks out for the home. Thanks. Oba fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba river. Ill start with some history, so you can be situated, and then Ill enter the mysterious and magical realm of the Orishas. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The notion of reincarnation is that deceased family members make their journey back to life as a new baby in the same family they once departed from. After a long travel, he went back to the forests, where he lives until today. Humans themselves dont have the power or knowledge to play alone. He could see the entire empire from there. The Orishas are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo. When humans die, they must return to her dwelling and become mud again. By symbolically placing these two double axes on the chest, one can summon Shango for protection. All the others laughed at him. The meaning of ORISHA is a Yoruba deity; also : one identified with a Roman Catholic saint in Santeria. For some reason, Oshumare was cursed to live as a shapeshifter. Her favourite offerings include seashells, jewellery, perfume, coral, flowers, watermelon, pomegranate, duck, lamb, fish, plantain chips, coconut cake, and molasses. Ogun's favourite offerings include cigars, rum, wine, red palm oil, candles, metal, metal tools, chains, weapons, red beans, and spicy foods. This was a necessity when slave-owners refused to allow slaves to practice African religion. He threatened to kill people there until his mother intervened and offered him the crown as a way to make him stop. Ogun, as a blacksmith and Orisha of wars, went well prepared for the fight. Oya wears a red dress and holds a sword in one of her hands. The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god. The seventh is often substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi. Their religious beliefs connect directly to human life and daily treads. However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. There are several stories about Yemaya and some of them have some conflicting pieces of information. It says the Orisha threw a party and Omulu went wearing his traditional straw clothes. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". Obaluaye is also connected to rituals that promote the cure for illnesses. Shango will bring justice through lightning and protect his followers against evil. Ochossi was saved! https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed April 18, 2023). The History of Guns, Greek Mythology: Stories, Characters, Gods, and Culture, Aztec Mythology: Important Stories and Characters, Greek Gods and Goddesses: Family Tree and Fun Facts, Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Names and Stories of 29 Ancient Roman Gods, Olodumare and his Journey Away from Earth, The Trojan War: Ancient Historys Famed Conflict, iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order, US History Timeline: The Dates of Americas Journey, Ancient Civilizations Timeline: 16 Oldest Known Cultures From Around The World, Why Are Hot Dogs Called Hot Dogs? In the New World, Africans from many city-states were thrown together into common slavery. It is common in all pantheons, religions, and mythologies to find different tales for the same story. The only exception is when you are invoking the seven African powers together. [8], The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Her other name, Iansa or Ians, means mother to 9 children. Never metal ones! Destiny is an important notion to believe in because it continually shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in its belief. Being connected to places such as hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed. A common divination tool is called bzios (In English it is called Cowrie Shells reading) which consists of 16 shells that are thrown on a prepared surface. While fables offer imaginative explanations, there is no doubt that the Orisha pantheons followers make it their lifestyle to uphold the norms and practices imposed by these deities. He got a job, a house, and everything he wished for. Being involved in marine affairs also implies that she is engaged in rejuvenating the human mind, further solidifying her position. Peace, honesty, and creativity are just some of them. Yoruba. Dialogue Institute, Dialogue Institute, 16 Sept. 2020, https://dialogueinstitute.org/afrocaribbean-and-african-religion-information/2020/9/16/yoruba . And he spat more fire. 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