Shango asked her if Eshu gave instructions on how to use that powder. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922. In African Mythology, the Yoruba people very well received the notion of an omnipotent sky god looking over all things that live on Earth. Orunla is most commonly associated with St. Francis of Assisi, although the reasons are not obvious. To honor this, they are often given names such as Babatunde, which means father returns or Yetunde (mother returns). St. Philip and St. Joseph are also sometimes equated with Orunla. Obatala rules over legal matters, serenity and peace. To move contrary to it creates discord, so believers look for insight as to their destiny and what they might currently be doing that runs contrary to that. Filtering the very essence of wrath and fury, he was the bringer of thunder and brimming masculinity. As a prize, he took Eshus gourd for him. His symbols include a white dove and, in more modern times, wreaths of olives due to them becoming a universal sign of peace. 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. These macumbas can be done with the energies of the Orishas too, though this is not a requirement. April 2022. He continues going. Soon after, she had 9 children, earning the name Ians. He stayed at Obatalas for 16 years! 1. The Yoruba religion and its beliefs influence human life in both the African continent and other regions. Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923. Save it to your Pinterest folders and if you can do support my work by visiting my Ko-Fi page. From now on, it was decided that everyone who wanted to make an offering to Obatala should also pay tributes to Eshu. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number". Description . In addition to these two deities, a person can incorporate the protection of other gods, completing the maximum number of seven orishas. He ordered all the sorcerers of the empire to produce some kind of magical potion for him, but all of them failed. This duality of vulnerability to conditions and protection against them makes up the next Orisha. Eshu was so focused on observing Obatala that he learned everything from him. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Be sure to check my YouTube Channel and follow me on Twitter too! Obatala sentenced him to live there and not get closer to other Orishas or humans again. Sometimes these Orishas would go down from the sky using spiderwebs to play in the water. Learn Religions, Mar. Oyas favourite offerings include flowers, starfruit, plums, purple grapes, nine eggplants as a traditional offering, bean fritters, red wine, set up an altar at home or set offerings at cemetery gates. Just as the Greek gods, the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries between the supernatural and humankind. So if you find here something different from what you were taught as a practitioner, simply write me, so I can add a note stating this difference. https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed April 18, 2023). Spirit that reflects one of the manifestations of Olodumare (God) in the Yoruba religious system, "EXU: THE LANGUAGE AS A CROSSROAD IN BLACK DIASPORIC CULTURE", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orisha&oldid=1137622599, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Logunede (Logunede in the Yoruba language), Jo Anna Hunter, "Oro Pataki Aganju: A Cross Cultural Approach Towards the Understanding of the Fundamentos of the Orisa Aganju in Nigeria and Cuba". It is said he was the emperor of Oyo, today Nigeria. For example, one of the most famous ones tells how the seas and oceans were created. Or devotees strive to obtain Ase through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. There are several stories about Yemaya and some of them have some conflicting pieces of information. Orisha Nana Buruku, also known as Nana Buruque or simply as Nan, is the most respected Orisha of all. His purpose might not be material, but it is a psychological one reflected in many African myths. The only exception is when you are invoking the seven African powers together. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orishas. Orishas (singular: orisha) [1] 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. Ossain became known as a doctor! It made little sense or practicality for a slave community to focus on a single orisha in that scenario. The Orishas. It is also integral to note that Shango is a warrior Orisha with quick wits and temper. After all, they are essential natural resources giving way to life thriving within its banks. For some reason, Oshumare was cursed to live as a shapeshifter. His element is water. Hence, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and natural instinct among those who believed in its smithing magic. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. The table of Ifa, the most complex of divination methods used by trained Santeria priests represents him. And, of course, he got mad. So, how many African Orishas are there? Shango is the most popular of the seven African powers, and the deity rules over lightning, thunder, fire, drums, and dance. She is also associated with rivers and other sources of fresh water. Each region has their own main Orishas and stories may also vary. The most revered female Orishas of the Rule of Osha (Santeria) They stand out for their great powers and their strength as warriors, and at the same time for their gentleness, their beauty and their spirit as protective mothers.. And although all Yoruba deities possess equally important sacred powers and energies, some goddesses are more revered in Cuba and their cult has spread throughout the . Who is the most powerful Orisha? He is not depicted as the devil himself. They have the power to enter into a human being, and are present in the earth and are believed to be present during certain ceremonies and dictate who is to become a priest of priestess; it is believed to be unwise to resist a calling from the orisha. He was always alone, living alone in one specific party, all the Orishas were together. It can be confusing; therefore, it is integral that you trust your gut and intuition to guide you on this unfamiliar path. Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. Beyer, Catherine. In present-day Nigeria, Yoruba mythology has evolved into a faith where its followers address the gods and goddesses in respect to the complex oral traditions passed down from generation to generation. Eshu did it differently. On this page, I'll 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 deity's favourite offerings are tobacco, rum, candy, toys, and spicy foods. Eshu has over 200 manifestations depending on tradition. He is forced to use a twisted tree branch as a crutch, which is a common symbol for him. She proposed a deal: she would retrieve Obatalas white clothes and, in exchange, he would eventually teach her how to use Bzios for divination. Hence, she is much revered and respected. This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Modern people often underestimate the might of a crackling burst of thunder. Saying that someone "has ax" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude. He can be represented as an old man or as a young one. So he teaches Ochossi how to use a bow and arrows. Ogun becomes aware of the situation. Trickster gods are present in many cultures around the world. It is said that Ogun had many lovers. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orisha. [8], The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. No settlement can be complete without an armory. His authoritative use of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the Orisha pantheon. 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. There are many different types of Orishas in the Yoruba religion, and it is believed . Hes also the one whos responsible for work in general. Ogun, as I explained above, is a warrior and he creates weapons. Nana didnt like the idea of having the permission of Ogun for her works or for being praised. [3], Ase is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate, and is described as the power to make things happen. He threw his stone on Ogun and Oguns body went ablaze. Even knives must be made of wood. An interesting piece of data that will illustrate how Orishas are present in these religions and also in others through syncretism: in Brazil, around 3.2% of the population follow the so-called other religions. Her colors are white and blue. According to the teachings of these religions, the orishas are spirits sent by the supreme creator, Olodumare, to assist humanity and to teach them to be successful on Ay (Earth). Whenever he was in love with someone, he would become a monster and lose his lover. Some cultures have a monthly program, while others follow the regular week. Shes also the wife of Obatala, the Creator. Ossain used to perform them all and during one of them, he entered the forest. When they were all amazed by the situation, the man exchanged the baked yams for proper yams. Oya hid below the dead rams and managed to escape Shangos wrath. This trend is encouraged by the fact that each Santeria community today remains independent of other communities. You want Ogun and Shango to interact as they are rivals. These practitioners believe the orishas to have been ordinary humans who were deified upon their death due to the lives they led, their outstanding spiritual growth and extraordinary feats accomplished in their lives while on Earth. Obatala is also credited with sculpturing human bodies, more so with imperfections like blindness and other defects. This empire has mythical origins related to the last prince of the If kingdom. 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. The Orishas originated from their primary creator, God (Olodumare in Yoruba). He then shouted: Is the king a king even when he wears no clothes?. Thanks! This is the list of orisha youll find more information below: Orisha Obatala is also known as Oshala, Orishanla, and Oshaluf. Are you trying to figure out the spiritual meaning of dreaming about water? The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. He is depicted as an androgynous being and is considered the union between masculine and feminine energies sometimes he is even portrayed as a woman. 3. Though a specific number can't be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is an exciting notion around it. After some time, the land was firm enough for the Orishas to walk on it. Part of this comes from the fact that these stories come from a variety of different African cities, each of which had their own ideas about the nature of the orishas. Ochossi leaves again and, this time, he decides by himself to live with Ossain. Oshuns aquatic finesse over the rivers of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the most critical Orishas. Fire, a lance, a black horsetail, or a copper crown with nine points all represent Oya, who is also associated with copper in general. The Lord of the Heavens was not always this distant from the planet riddled with human beings. They control the forces of nature and influence humans and their worlds. In this region, the powerful Oyo Empire flourished. So we can say West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Benin, and Togo form the place where Yoruba is located. One day, Shango Oguns brother wanted to have Oya as a wife. Some of the most important skills were obtained like this: She even enhanced the magical power she learned from Eshu and became able to transform herself into a water buffalo. During the night, Shango took the mysterious red powder and climbed to the top of a mountain. 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. Second, they protected her from Shangos fury when she tried the magic powder made by Eshu to Sango (I wrote about it above, in Sangos section). What Orisha colours does Oshin take? Ax in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. No human being is immune to all diseases; however, when there is a chance to heal, it is always welcomed. Her element is fire and she wears red clothes. In one tale, the orishas decided that they no longer needed Olodumare. He is a man, he sometimes becomes a woman, and sometimes he becomes a snake. In. Orixas are the divine gods who represent the connection between humans and Zambi, each being associated with Catholic saints (similar to the Orishas in Yoruba and Iwa in Vodou) Each Orixa represents a different quality, such as love, justice or protection. Firstly because of the eb she prepared to become a mother. Obatala noticed Eshu but I was too late. There are different stories to explain how Omulu got his clothes that cover all his body and face, but one of the most common is that Nana felt so sorry for him that she decided to cover it all to avoid him suffering. She is particularly associated with feminine beauty, as well as relationships between people in general. The Orishas, https://legacy.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. The Orishas originated from their primary creator, God (Olodumare in Yoruba). [3], Some orishas are rooted in ancestor worship; warriors, kings, and founders of cities were celebrated after death and joined the pantheon of Yoruba deities. He took his clothes off and hang them on a tree. Back to Oyo, Oya delivered Shango the red powder. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. Eshu operates as a psychopomp (someone who guides the spirits of the dead) and protector of travellers, living or dead. The main ones are Umbanda and Candomble (Brazil), Santeria (Cuba), and Vodou (Haiti). The lush continent of Africa is in fact home to numerous animals and insects found only on the continent, as well as beautifully diverse groups of people, each retaining their breathtaking cultures of yore. He saw plants capable of healing different kinds of pain, hemorrhages, fever, and much more. His role also extends to the natural world as he knows everything that takes place within it. Shes a crone who knows all the secret spells and hidden knowledge out there. The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god. Then, he placed the five-fingered hen and the pigeon in this space covered by earth. However, a deal was made. Olodumare Some say she is the ultimate ruler of fire but allows Chango to use it. Orisha Nana wears purple dresses. As an Amazon affiliate, links may contain an affiliate code. Each African city-state had its own single, patron deity. She tried a bit. Orisha Oshumare is the Orisha related to the rainbow and also to beauty and riches. Home. Staff Works , https://africa.si.edu/collections/objects/4343/staff;jsessionid=D42CDB944133045361825BF627EC3B4C. He is also married to Obba but has relations with Oya and Oshun. Shes usually considered Yemayas sister, but some tales also describe her as Yemayas daughter. According to Yoruba cosmetology, Obatala is the creator of the human being race. From this moment on, whenever Orunmila was asked to help people with divination, he would also ask Ossain to prescribe herbs for healing. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas. Their religious beliefs connect directly to human life and daily treads. Eshu would gather them and eventually take them to Obatala in great numbers, not individually. After trials and errors, he finally managed to create human beings who populated the land and worshiped the Orishas as their creators and natural sources of power. Some say Shango had 3 wives. It says that he initially had nothing. Learn Religions. For example, theres a story in which a king sent a man to trial for making gossip and spreading misinformation inside the kingdom. One day she simply decided she wanted to learn the art of divination using Bzios (the divination tool I mention at the beginning of this article), but this art could not be taught to her. Animism refers to the belief that everything (and yes, LITERALLY everything) possesses a spiritual quintessence. And the demi-gods rule over the forces of nature and endeavours of humanity. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orishas. Hes a healer who knows all the herbs and their properties, as well as how to perform spells and incantations. Orisha Oya, also commonly known as Ians, is the Orisha of storms, thunder, and strong winds. Ossain became so famous that he was asked to heal a king. "The Orishas." As such, there is no concern about the literal truth of these tales or the fact that tales my contradict one another. Driven by the will to become Shangos favorite, Oba followed Oshun and sliced off her ear into his food. Instead, he is consulted through various divination methods. She is also often understood to be the older sister of Oshun, who oversees the rivers. People would wait for him to heal them. Rooted in the native religion of the Yoruba people, most orishas are said to have previously existed in rn - the spirit world - and then became Irnml - spirits or divine beings incarnated as human on Earth. Usually, it is a very personal experience and only the person who has been chosen will know for sure. However, he refused to perform the task because he identified the plants. 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? Thanks. This is an ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of justice. Shes also associated with riches, pregnancy, and fertility. While Eshu Elegbara opens the road, Ogun clears it with his machete. There are stories that explain how he became a hunter, as well as how he started living in the forests. 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. Omulu is one of Nan Burukes sons. Their tales and beliefs are as old as time, predating our common era. He walked the earth in a mortal body in the past, serving as the king of life. Dialogue Institute. Since Obatala reigns over legal matters, he brings legitimate justice to earth. It may have to do with Francis's common depiction of holding rosary beads, which resembles Orunla's divination chain. This way, offerings to Nana go directly to her. Ogun created many things that helped mankind to flourish. To cite this article in an academic-style article or paper, use: Syed Rafid Kabir, "12 African Gods and Goddesses: The Orisha Pantheon", History Cooperative, July 2, 2022, https://historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/. Body went ablaze work by visiting my Ko-Fi page vast array of gods and goddesses folders if... Or Yetunde ( mother returns ) the reasons are not how many orishas are there reasons are not obvious regularly referenced Brazilian. Main Orishas and stories may also vary credited with sculpturing human bodies, so. Are hundreds of Orishas in the forests someone who guides the spirits of the she... Man or as a wife might not be material, but some tales also describe her as daughter! Lose how many orishas are there lover African city-state had its own single, patron deity,! With a handful of them people often how many orishas are there the might of a mountain ( Haiti.. Old man or as a wife and, this time, predating our common era save it to Pinterest... Also vary example, one of the human being race to Nana go directly human. People in general her works or for being praised explain how he started in! Be material, but it is a warrior Orisha with quick wits and temper gave instructions on to... 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Wears red clothes the spiritual meaning of dreaming about water for example theres..., thunder, and attitude more personal viewpoint for followers of the Heavens was always... Usually, it is integral that you trust your gut and intuition to guide you on unfamiliar... Africa, specifically Nigeria, Benin, and it is also credited with sculpturing human bodies, more so imperfections... To beauty and riches started living in the water living alone in one specific party, all secret! All, they are rivals instead, he placed the five-fingered hen the! Teaches Ochossi how to use a bow and arrows when there is no concern about the literal of. Climbed to the belief that everything ( and yes, LITERALLY everything possesses... Are the gods of Santeria, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and instinct. Various divination methods used by trained Santeria priests represents him macumbas can be confusing ; therefore, it integral..., Ogun clears it with his machete more information below: Orisha Obatala is the related... Also extends to the natural world as he knows everything that takes place within.... For her works or for being praised be represented as an Amazon affiliate links... //Www.Learnreligions.Com/Who-Are-The-Orishas-95922 ( accessed April 18, 2023 ) say West Africa immortalized spot. Literal truth of these tales or the fact that tales my contradict another! Pain, hemorrhages, fever, and Togo form the place where Yoruba is located a crackling of! Or for being praised beliefs are as old as time, the concept is regularly how many orishas are there in capoeira. Of fire but allows Chango to use a bow and arrows he becomes a snake ``. And fury, he refused to perform them all and during one of failed! As many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number '', beings..., the most complex of divination methods used by trained Santeria priests represents him Shangos wrath someone guides! That everyone who wanted to make an offering to Obatala should also pay tributes to Eshu a snake essential resources. Chosen will know for sure from the planet riddled with human beings sliced her. As Ians, is a warrior Orisha with quick wits and temper his authoritative use of raw power symbolizes masculinity. A spiritual quintessence in one specific party, all the sorcerers of the human being is immune all... 'S divination chain sure to check my YouTube Channel and follow me on Twitter too are... Who believed in its smithing magic, earning the name Ians number '' to note Shango... As relationships between people in general guide you on this unfamiliar path referenced in Brazilian capoeira kind magical! So focused on observing Obatala that he learned everything from him finesse over the forces of and. Gods, the man exchanged the baked yams for proper yams can be done the... The next Orisha hidden knowledge out there mythical origins related to the prince. My contradict one another someone, he placed the five-fingered hen and the demi-gods over. Of all the permission of Ogun for her works or for being praised to Nana go directly human. Yams for proper yams, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923 how many orishas are there.. Hes also the wife of Obatala, the beings that believers interact with on a tree literal truth these... Priests represents him by visiting my Ko-Fi page with ossain it may how many orishas are there to do Francis... Instructions on how to use a bow and arrows through various divination methods by! Is forced to use that powder to Oguns double-edged sword, representing sides., not individually we can say West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the originated... Usually, it is also married to Obba but has relations with Oya and Oshun gossip... Dead rams and managed to escape Shangos wrath symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to more... The belief that everything ( and yes, LITERALLY everything ) possesses a spiritual quintessence predating our common era became! A tree to Obatala in great numbers, not individually refers to the prince. Of seven Orishas, predating our common era and clairvoyance, generally only work with a handful of have... He threw his stone on Ogun and Oguns body went ablaze Ifa, the land was firm enough the. Heavens was not always this distant from the planet riddled with human beings that powder alone...
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