How did Osun become a river?
In Yoruba cosmology, Osun was said to have metamorphosed into a river as a result of a misunderstanding between her and “Oba”, a co-wife of Sango. The Osun River takes its source from Igede-Ekiti, flows through Ilesha to Osogbo town and empties itself in the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the name of arugba Osun?
Osuntomi Ewatomilola Omolara, the votary maid (Arugba Osun) for Osun-Osogbo has debunked the rumour making rounds that she died.
What is Oshun fest?
Oshun festival, in the town of Oshogbo, starts on the last Friday of August. It is a colourful celebration in honour of the deity of the River Oshun who, according to myth, protected the inhabitants from various scourges, several centuries ago. It is still now considered a protective guide.
What is Osun associated with?
Oshun, also spelled Osun, an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality.
What is the meaning of arugba?
The Arugba, also known as the ‘calabash carrier’, has a large calabash on her head underneath a colourful veil. It contains the sacrifices of the entire community and those offered by the people in attendance. Every Arugba has to remain a virgin during her time in the role.
How is Osun celebrated?
The five-day event of celebrations happens in August. This Nigerian festival attracts tourists within and outside the country swarming the street of Osogbo to join the annual rites, with thousands escorting the maiden calabash bearer to the shrine to show gratitude to the Osun goddess.
What are Oshun favorite things?
Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty. She loves honey, sunflowers, oranges, cinnamon, and pumpkin, and her favorite birds are peacocks and vultures. Today the Orisha traditions are practiced in Cuba, Brazil, and parts of Central America and the United States.