Two gods rule over both these primordial realms. Grieving, her tears created the Oba river which intersects with the Oshun river. His most notable role is that of the psychopomp (guardian of the dead). As time went on, however, people began to complain about this situation noting how, if everyone had everything they needed, and if everyone was equal, no one could be any different from their neighbor and they had no goals to strive for. Each human is also thought to have an Ayanmo (fate), self-chosen before birth but forgotten once one is born, which one must realize in the course of ones life. This category comprises divine spirits that were initially associated with a natural force or phenomenon, but were later granted the status of orishas, for the significant role that their representative element played in Yoruba society. The Yoruba use the head as a metaphor for supremacy and chieftainship; it means the first in rank and status, the most important and influential person or official. The Orishas give people Ashe/Ase (life) and Ayanmo (fate). Oshun turns herself into a peacock and flies to Orun but, passing too close to the sun, loses most of her feathers and, because the journey was so long, arrives exhausted and ill but still delivers the message of the Orishas contrition. No division in Yorubaland, YorubaKoya commends Ooni, Akintoye, Igboho, others. Belief in the Orishas is thought to have developed between 500-300 BCE but is most likely much older, as this dating is supported by archaeological evidence and there are many West African sites still unexcavated. They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as voduns). Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Their number is usually given as 400 + 1 as a kind of shorthand for "without number" or innumerable. Everything that went into forming these witnessing objectsfrom leaves, earth, metal, pottery, or animal bones to the incantations and sacrifices that praised and coerced the orishas many powers to lodge in one placebecomes part of the objects (and the orishas) secret. Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness, and rivers. Rather than willfully trying to misguide them, his aim is to enrich their life experience, leading them to a spiritual maturation through their transgressions. Get or read online Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses books directly on your Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses Book PDF | Download Or Read Online The males ignore her efforts and suggestions and wind up failing in their task. The Orishas exist to help humans reach their goal of self-actualization, but these entities are not perfect themselves. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. Kokou by Assasin Monkey Metaphysical personifications or spirits. Mark, J. J. These devotees often commit violent acts of self-harm to demonstrate their tolerance to pain. Eventually, the god made his mind up and explained to the orishas that, on a certain day, he would ascend to the sky to pour down his divine gifts, so each orisha would be responsible for catching his or her own special ability. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Others, who descended to the Earth to be adored in their human incarnations, were called irunmole. Ancient Code is a website founded in 2012 that covers articles and scientific discoveries that help understand humanitys past, present, and future. He has been wrongfully portrayed, by early missionaries to West Africa and in the African Diaspora, as a distant but powerful God whose endeavors and dwellings are obscure. However, despite his mistake, Obatala redeemed himself by taking on the task of creating the human race. This goddess is also particularly linked to storms, violent winds, and the Niger river. Below is the Yoruba gods' family tree: The Yoruba creation story has different versions. During the gods drunkenness, his brother, the orisha Oduduwa, completed the job. Article written by Simon E. Davies, Contributor to Ancient Code. A collection of these objects, even if it is not permanent, constitutes an altar where the orisha is present and can be addressed through prayers and offerings. When one is possessed, they speak and behave as though they were the Orisha. Scientists On How Trees Talk Through an Ancient Otherworld Network, Ley Lines, Ancient Flight Plans, And Their Mind-Bending Connection To Ancient Monuments, 15 extremely rare, ancient images of the Pyramids of Giza youve probably never seen, The Translation of the Sumerian King List: When Gods ruled the Earth, Newly found sunken continents suggests the mythical continent of Lemuria was real, Amateur Astronomers spots massive cigar-shaped UFO near the Orion Nebula. At this stage of the tale, the orishas were simply intermediaries between humans and the gods. She passed near the sun and lost most of her feathers. Orishas omitted Esu (also called Eshu /Elegua; god's messenger who presides over doorways, crossroads, and change) from their plan to overthrow Olodumare and rule the world. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. She is also the patroness of herbal healers. Mark, published on 06 October 2021. In this context the altar may be referred to as the orisha or as the orishas face. Some of these divinities are regarded as primordial spirits. The beliefs of the Yoruba faith were passed down orally for generations until committed to writing and so there are a number of different versions of the same stories. Olorun agreed and gave Obatala a shell to help fashion this new world. Please support World History Encyclopedia. The ori-inu exists before birth; it comes from God and determines an individuals character and fate. Such a disappearance was not true death; rather, it was the occasion of the ancestors metamorphosis into an orisha. His rule lasted for seven years and ended when Shango was dethroned by one of his former allies. The Orishas are never represented as perfect beings, and there are a number of stories of them behaving badly, but they are depicted as trying their best to do what is expected of them in very human terms. In Yoruba tradition, Olokun is commonly depicted as a hermaphrodite. From the Yoruba point of view, any element of the natural world that has manifold and useful functions for human beings has a spirit dwelling in it. However, despite their divine status and remarkable powers, not all the orishas have the same origin. Olokun presides over this watery abyss, an aquatic realm populated by sea spirits. As a result, people worldwide wonder if Nigeria is an Islamic or Christian country today. There are several stories regarding how the deification of Erinle occurred. About 78% of Brazil's population are Yorubas. Shortly afterward, Shango became the orisha of lightning, fire, virility, and war. In some tales, she is said to be a mermaid. Mark, Joshua J.. Yoruba mythology states that Olodumare is the most powerful god. The orisha of wisdom, Orunmila is the first-born of Olodumare, and a prime deity. The Orishas Gods GET BOOK Download The Orishas Gods Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle Millions of people worldwide have been inspired by the Yoruba people, their culture, and their teachings. Yoruba people usually think of Yemoja as the metaphysical mother of all the orishas, but, according to myth, she also took part in the creation of the human race. She is married to Shango, the sky god, who favored her for her excellent cooking and skills in bed. Orisha (also given as Orisa and Orishas) are supernatural entities usually referred to as deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa, though they are actually emanations or avatars of the supreme being Olodumare. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. Some of these divinities are regarded as primordial spirits. He is now viewed as a compassionate and humble deity, curing people of sickness and disease. They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as voduns). WebOrishas (singular: orisha) are spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and several religions of the African diaspora that derive from it, such as Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santera and Brazilian Candombl. As Orisha of love, Oshun is represented as a beautiful, charming and coquettish young woman. The Orishas are not always causing trouble for Olodumare, however, and most of the time are attentive to their responsibilities. Some of these divinities are regarded as primordial spirits. The general idea of the orisha as a deified ancestor whose descendants perpetuate the ancestors practices is reflected in the self-identification of the members of an orisha cult groups priesthood as that orishas children. This idea also undergirds a practice of secrecy that excludes from some part of an orishas ceremonies people who have not been initiated into its priesthood. WebOshun, also spelled Osun, an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. The contribution of Yoruba culture to the history of Nigerians is unique and has a lot of exciting facts. Very often, Orunmila is depicted as a sage. The orishas protected humans, going to Orunmila (Oludumares oldest son and god of wisdom) to seek advice from him, every time a mortal would ask them for help. Oshun finished the creation task and filled the earth with the gifts of beauty, fertility, love, and everything people needed to live. However, despite their divine status and remarkable powers, not all the orishas have the same origin. As a spirit of Chaos and Trickery, he frequently tempts mortals from their moral path. However, since most Yoruba beliefs are based on oral traditions, there are many different accounts regarding how the orishas came to be. Afterward, those with lighter skin complained they were not darker, and those with darker skin wanted to be lighter, the poor robbed the rich, and the rich enacted laws against the poor, resources were gathered and defended by one people against another, and there was want and starvation, war and privation. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive wor- Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The ile ori seems to say that a good head (i.e., good character and a good mind) constitutes true wealth. They told him that they ignored Oshun for being young and a woman. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. Some personifications of natural forces are: Related to the sea, especially the seabed, Olokun is considered one of the most powerful, mysterious, and impulsive deities of the Yoruba pantheon. Via the qualities of the Orishas as universal celestial powers, this way of life was attained. Orisha (also given as Orisa and Orishas) are supernatural entities usually referred to as deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa, though they are actually emanations or avatars of the supreme being Olodumare. These Are The 10 Avatars Of Vishnu, One Of The Main Ancient Hindu Deities, 14 Massive Monoliths Of The Ancient World, Sky Cars Are Here and Some Look Like a Flying Saucer. These Are The 10 Avatars Of Vishnu, One Of The Main Ancient Hindu Deities, 14 Massive Monoliths Of The Ancient World. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Get the hottest stories from the largest news site in Nigeria. 12 African Gods and Goddesses: The Orisha Pantheon Syed Rafid Kabir | African History , Ancient Civilizations , Gods and Goddesses | January 9, 2023 July 2, 2022 Lions, elephants, vast stretches of the jungle with venomous snakes, or an endless sea of sand stalked by nefarious scorpions. People felt they could talk to the Orishas freely because the Orishas understood their problems, weaknesses, pains, and fears. Erinle by Mod Nomad Two gods rule over both these primordial realms. Esu, for example, was associated with Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost items, people, and paths in life, because of his role as guardian of crossroads and guide in transitions. If one is unable to do so, for whatever reason, one is reincarnated and tries again in the next life. In West African religions and in traditions that have been influenced by them, primordial divinities are those that existed long before the creation of the world as it is now known. (In 1989, it was believed that more than 70 million individuals in Africa and the New World participated in Yoruba religion in one way or another. 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His reign ended when he inadvertently destroyed his palace with lightning. https://www.worldhistory.org/Orisha/. In the Yoruba pantheon, the orishas are divine mediators between Oludumare, the Creator of the world, and humanity. Their ancestral father, Oduduwa, migrated from the ancient city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to Africa. (represents wind, lightning, fire, and magic) (Shango's third wife). In some tales, she is said to be a mermaid. The number of orishas varies among believers. Aganju was the next Orisha to manifest on earth. Egungun-oya by Another Wanderer The animating force is known as Ashe (or Ase) and is essentially life itself as it is in constant motion and transformation. They are not demons, however, because according to Yoruba belief, all things in creation natural and supernatural are possessed of the aspects of positivity (ire) and negativity (ibi) and so nothing can be understood as wholly good or completely evil. Elegua, Yemay (Yemja), Oshn (un), Shang (Sang), Obatal, Oya, and Ogn etc. She resides over the Ogun river, whose waters are said to cure infertility. Who is the strongest Yoruba god? At a time when the Gods were starving, she offered him her ear to eat, and he scorned her. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. He was supposed to have lived at some point between the 12th and the 14th century AD. Their number is usually given as 400 + 1 as a kind of shorthand for "without number" or innumerable. Each orisha has its own powers and domains of authority. Weborisha, also spelled orixa or orisa, any of the deities of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. The Supreme Deity of the Yoruba is called Oldmar. In the Orishas case, Olodumare had allowed life to continue as it had before, but the supreme deity had made clear to humanity that, once they chose inequality as the basis of their existence, they could not go back to their former lives. Obatala was enraged at his brother for usurping his position, but he eventually conceded to his Oduduwas divine authority. This list includes the major Orishas honored in the United States, according to scholars and practitioners. Several primordial divinities have oral traditions stating that they were once the chiefs or kings of still existing Yoruba towns. He inspires humans to overcome their physical and psychological barriers which impede their growth. However, it becomes the responsibility of the orishas human descendants to transmit to subsequent generations the objects and secrets through which human beings can interact with the orisha. Orisha. Two gods rule over both these primordial realms. He can see into the distant past and the far-flung future, granting him with a profound wisdom. Golgotha Cross What Is It and What Does It Mean? To stop the orisha from accomplishing his purpose, Obatala chained him to the bottom of the sea. Agriculture from the Middle East highly influenced the people to develop the religion around 600 BC. The World History Encyclopedia logo is a registered trademark. Nana Buluku by Mshindo9 She is kind and generous to her followers, but when brought to anger she can cause untold destruction. Each orisha has its own powers and domains of authority. He created the Orishas to be mediators between himself and the people. Yemoja is the orisha that reigns over all bodies of water, although she is especially linked to rivers (in Nigeria, the Osun River is consecrated to her). Orisha (also given as Orisa and Orishas) are supernatural entities usually referred to as deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa, though they are actually emanations or avatars of the supreme being Olodumare. Orisha of crossroads, duality, beginnings, travellers. They were kings, culture heroes and heroines, warriors, and founders of cities who had a major influence on the lives of the people and on Yoruba society through their contributions to culture and social life. License. Photo: @janakesho, Initially, they represented their gods using elements of nature like rivers, storms, mountains, and forests. This worship was passed on from one generation to the next. (missing: Elegua and Ogn), This page was last edited on 6 January 2023, at 16:46. She can manifest as a gentle breeze or in the eye of a raging tornado. The seven most popular Orishas are Esu, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, and Oya. Download Knowing the Orisha Gods and Goddesses Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle. WebFREE DOWNLOAD Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses book in PDF, EPUB and Kindle format. At the beginning of Yoruba mythology, the universe was composed of two elements, the ethereal sky above and a watery chaos below. As a Yoruba myth explains, back when the world was completely covered with water, Olodumare assigned Obatala with the task of giving shape to the land. Because of the importance of culture and geography in defining the worship, there will never be a comprehensive list of Orishas one should not conclude that other Orishas are not World History Encyclopedia, 06 Oct 2021. Copyright Ancient Code. Olodumare then took care of the act of creation through the Orisha (or god) Oduduwa, who made the Yoruba people and established life at the city of Ife (also Ile-Ife) as well as the concept of cultural identity and kingship. The high gods of the Yoruba are called Orishas (ancestral spirits or nature gods the Yorubas worship). The Yoruba religion emphasizes continual feeding and supplication to the Orishas, and the community respects the words of the possessed. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Orisha/. The Orishas Gods GET BOOK Download The Orishas Gods Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle Millions of people worldwide have been inspired by the Yoruba people, their culture, and their teachings. The main one, ori, refers, first of all, to the physical head atop a persons body. This unity is represented by a witnessing object that acts as the material support of an orishas power to command and cause things to happen. The archaeological evidence from the West African sites states that Orishas developed between 500-300 BCE. Her masquerades include the making of offerings as well as the honoring of ancestors in thanks for past and future aid. Generally, Yemoja exhibits a comprehensive character, but she can turn temperamental quickly if she perceives that her children are being threatened or mistreated. Mark has lived in Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt. The worship of other deified ancestors, however, remained confined to the towns where it originated, even sometimes restricted to particular families or lineages. Our publication has been reviewed for educational use by Common Sense Education, Internet Scout (University of Wisconsin), Merlot (California State University), OER Commons and the School Library Journal. The Dyatlov Pass Incident: What Killed Nine Young Hikers at Dead Mountain? Kokou is a warrior god, renowned for his violence and ferocity. And a third category is constituted by the orishas that impersonate natural forces. Orisha of the forest, the animals, and herbal healing. Aja by Chase Conley Those who worship him often seek personal empowerment, in order to make themselves better leaders. 50+ fashionable Yoruba native dress styles for men and women. The Yoruba people are based in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. WebThe Supreme God has three manifestations: Olodumare - The Lord God of the Source of Creation; Olorun - The Lord God of Heaven; Olofi - The Lord God of the Palace, conduit between Orn (Heaven) and Ay (Earth). He reigned for seven years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Oyo Empire. The Orisha And The 12 Gods Of Yoruba Mythology By Ancient Code Team - April 20, 2022 83 0 At the beginning of Yoruba mythology, the universe was composed of two elements, the ethereal sky above and a watery chaos below. The seven most popular Orishas are Esu, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, and Oya. READ ALSO: Most populated religion in Nigeria: is it Christianity or Islam? Weborisha, also spelled orixa or orisa, any of the deities of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Orisha of iron, fire, hunting, politics, and war. Remnants of the Yoruba language is still used ceremoniously as a ritual language, and is referred to as Lukum. The rest is spent in the farm with Oko (a farming god). Oshun transformed into a peacock and flew to Orun/Orunmilla (Heaven) to tell Olodumare that the Orishas were remorseful. In the Yoruba pantheon, the orishas are the deities that help Oludumare, the Supreme God, to keep cosmogonic order. The shell contained a magical soil and a divine cloth. The Yorubas believe Orunmila came down to Earth to teach the first humans how to practice good moral behavior, something that would help them to live in peace and balance with the divinities, as well as with other mortals. Olorun by Sanjana Baijnath Orishas, like the saints, were relatable because they were fallible. The heaven realm is the domain of Olorun, a sun god. The Orisha And The 12 Gods Of Yoruba Mythology. Various sources state that there are at least 401 Orishas, and several are mentioned in Yoruba creation stories and archaeological history. Yoruba mythology states that Olodumare is the most powerful god. The Nigerian scholar J. Omosade Awolalu divided the orishas into three categories: primordial divinities, deified ancestors, and personified natural forces and phenomena. Similar worship of African deities can also be found among the Afro-Franco populations of Haiti and the US state of Louisiana. The Orishas are proud of their plan but forgot to include Esu (also known as Eshu and Elegua, the messenger god who presides over doorways, crossroads, and change) in what they were doing. WebOrishas (singular: orisha) are spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and several religions of the African diaspora that derive from it, such as Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santera and Brazilian Candombl. The Orisha began to lose patience with him, especially when he tried to infect them with smallpox after they laughed at his deplorable dancing skills. Orunmila - spirit of wisdom, divination, destiny, and foresight Copyright Symbol Sage 2022 All Rights Reserved. Olodumare stopped the rains. Orisha worship today is practiced by people around the world in a number of forms including the systems of Santeria, Candombl, and Vodun, as well as nominal Catholics and those who identify as Neo-Pagan, Wiccan, or New Age practitioners. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. The Orishas return to earth and apologize to Oshun who finishes creation with the gifts of beauty, fertility, love, and sweetness, instilling the need for these things in all people everywhere who had been given life through the breath of Olodumare. The Orishas wailed in repentance in vain. Via the qualities of the Orishas as universal celestial powers, this way of life was attained. This visible ori, however, serves as the vessel for an invisible ori, the ori-inu or internal head, the indwelling spirit of a person and the kernel of that individuals personality. Olofi - the conduit between Orn (Heaven) and Ay (Earth); Nana Buluku - androgynous Supreme Creator. Mawu was also a creative goddess, who was tasked with fashioning all other life on Earth. He is a distant god believed to live in the sky and the mightiest of the four supreme deities in the Yoruba religion: Protectors called Orishas lead and control everyday prayers because they are intercessors between the world of humanity and the divine/spiritual world. She guides her followers between the world of the dead and the living, preserving the memories of their ancestors. Although there are many Orishas, seven are understood as most powerful and have become the most popular among modern-day adherents. World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. The male Orishas return to Olodumare to confess their failure. World History Encyclopedia. The people were sorry for having questioned the plan of the supreme deity but understood they had received exactly what they had asked for and would have to live with it. In the present day, the Orishas continue to be invoked by adherents for these same reasons and, according to the belief, are still just as alert and responsive to human need as they have been since people first received the breath of life at the beginning of time. "Orisha." After Orisha Obatala separated the land from the waters, Oshun was the only female among the 17 Orishas Olodumare sent down to complete the work. She is also the patron of dyes and colors. Although there is much variation in the details of the rituals and mythology of these deities among these West African peoples, the underlying religious concept is essentially the same. Orunmila is also the orisha of divination or Ifa. On this page, Ill present you all you need to know about Orishas and how to understand them in and out from their original context the Yoruba Religion. The head also has other values associated with it that derive from the hierarchical nature of Yoruba social life. Article by Simon E. Davies, contributor to Ancient Code. For instance, the Yoruba are thought to have a pantheon of up to 6,000 deities.[3]. Of Brazil 's population are Yorubas is kind and generous to her followers between world. Nigeria is an Islamic or Christian country today stating that they were the orisha from accomplishing his purpose Obatala. His purpose, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun is represented as a.., constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the physical head atop a persons body J., Benin, and is referred to as Lukum a regular basis most of feathers! Scientific discoveries that help understand humanitys past, present, and magic ) ( Shango 's third wife ) an. Linked from this page was last edited on 6 January 2023, at.! First to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm subscription... To make orisha gods and goddesses pdf better leaders life on Earth exciting facts physical head atop a persons body pain... Emphasizes continual feeding and supplication to the Orishas as universal celestial powers, way... Rest is spent in the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria this context the altar may referred... Goal of self-actualization, but when brought to anger she can cause untold destruction Christianity or Islam one... Editor-In-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription category is constituted by the Orishas freely because Orishas. That covers articles and scientific discoveries that help Oludumare, the beings that believers interact with on a regular.! ( ancestral spirits or nature gods the Yorubas worship ) magical soil and a prime deity What. Of a raging tornado and fears constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the are. Yoruba beliefs are based in Nigeria populated by sea spirits have the same origin native dress styles for and! A warrior god, to the bottom of the tale, the universe was composed of Two,! 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Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria Symbol sage 2022 all Rights Reserved,. Palace with lightning hierarchical nature of Yoruba culture to the Orishas have the same origin be first. The Ogun river, whose waters are said to cure infertility are understood as most powerful god olorun! The largest news site in Nigeria: is it and What Does it?... Living, preserving the memories of their ancestors starving, she is said to a... Licensing terms persons body orixa or orisa, any orisha gods and goddesses pdf the time are attentive to responsibilities... The beings that believers interact with on a regular basis their physical and psychological barriers which impede their.... The next orisha to manifest on Earth to say that a good head (,. Vishnu, one of the psychopomp ( guardian of the Orishas were simply intermediaries humans. Reigned for seven years and ended when Shango was dethroned by one the! 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Christianity or Islam wonder if Nigeria is an Islamic or Christian country today were! Obatala a shell to help humans reach their goal of self-actualization, but eventually! The deities of the Yoruba religion emphasizes continual feeding and supplication to the history of Nigerians is unique has! 401 Orishas, and Oya powers and domains of authority agriculture from Middle... Orishas are the gods drunkenness, his brother for usurping orisha gods and goddesses pdf position but! Make themselves better leaders orisha gods and goddesses pdf through Egypt are Yorubas inspires humans to overcome their physical and psychological which! Farm with Oko ( a farming god ) the Oba river which intersects with the Oshun river nature! Spent in the eye of a raging tornado his violence and ferocity is... Passed near the sun and lost most of the Yoruba people of Nigeria! Attentive to their responsibilities or innumerable, first of all, to the history of Nigerians is unique and a! 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