Yoruba religion

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Isese (Yoruba Religion) Global Symbol with labels

Yemoja Nigeria

Yoruba divination board

Symbol of the inner head (ibori) Africa Nigeria Yoruba people 19th-20th century leather glass beads cowrie shells Dallas Museum of Art

Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, ifá

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Carybè, rilievi degli orixas, 1968, axù

Yoruba religion refers to the traditional religious beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people, a ethnic group primarily found in southwestern Nigeria, as well as in parts of Benin and Togo. The Yoruba religion has also significantly influenced various religious movements in the Americas, notably Santería, Candomblé, and Trinidad Orisha, due to the transatlantic slave trade.

Beliefs

The Yoruba religion is deeply rooted in the worship of a pantheon of deities, known as Orisha, who are believed to mediate between the supreme deity, Olodumare, and humanity. Olodumare is considered the creator of all things, but is distant and does not involve Himself in human affairs. The Orishas, on the other hand, are accessible to humans and are involved in their daily lives, providing guidance, protection, and justice.

Among the most venerated Orishas are:

• Eshu, the trickster deity who mediates between the divine and the mortal and is the messenger of the gods.
• Ogun, the god of iron, war, and labor.
• Yemoja, the mother of all Orishas and goddess of the river.
• Shango, the deity of thunder and lightning, known for his martial prowess and virility.
• Oshun, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, associated with fresh water and wealth.

Practices

Yoruba religious practices involve rituals, divination, festivals, and the veneration of ancestors. Priests and priestesses, known as Babalawos (male) and Iyanifas (female) for Ifá divination, and other titles specific to the Orisha they serve, play a crucial role in the religious life of the community. They perform ceremonies, offer sacrifices, and provide spiritual guidance to adherents.

Divination is a central aspect of the Yoruba religion, used to communicate with the Orishas and seek their advice. The Ifá divination system employs an intricate method of signs interpreted by the Babalawo or Iyanifa, guiding individuals in their personal and communal lives.

Festivals and public ceremonies are also vital, celebrating the Orishas with music, dance, and offerings. These events strengthen community bonds and reaffirm the collective faith in the Orishas.

Influence in the Americas

Due to the transatlantic slave trade, the Yoruba religion was transported to the Americas, where it blended with Christianity and indigenous beliefs, leading to the creation of syncretic religions such as Santería in Cuba, Candomblé in Brazil, and Trinidad Orisha in Trinidad and Tobago. These religions retain many elements of the Yoruba religious system, including the worship of Orishas, though they have also developed unique practices and theologies.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, the Yoruba religion continues to be practiced in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, as well as in the diaspora. It has gained international interest, with people from various backgrounds drawn to its rich spiritual traditions. The religion's emphasis on community, respect for nature, and the interconnectedness of all life resonates with contemporary ecological and social concerns.