Oya is a Yoruban Orisha and Goddess who has been syncretized into Afro-Caribbean traditions. February 2 is the Feast Day of the Orisha Goddess OYA, as well as her Saint, Candelaria. OYA is the Ruler of the Wind and Ruler of Tornadoes and She claims lightning as one of Her powers as well. O-ya means “she tore” in Yoruba. An elemental Goddess – Air, Fire Water – She incorporates all of them into Her. She is the personification of the Niger River and has the power to shapeshift She is the only Orisha that has a foot in Life and a foot in Death. OYA governs the gates of cemeteries and it is there that She receives offerings from Her children who those seeking Her assistance. In all that She does, She is independent, unpredictable, fierce and beautiful.
Symbols, Numbers, Colors and Attributes of Oyá
Number: 9
Sacred Place in Nature: the marketplace, wind and the gates of the cemetery
Colors: brown or burgundy, plus nine different colors (no black)
Tools: machetes, masks, scythe, horsetail fly-whisk (iruke)
Temperament: fierce, temperamental, protective
Syncretized Catholic Saint: Our Lady of Candlemas or Saint Theresa
Offerings to Oya
Oyá enjoys sweet and dark colored foods. Her addimus and offerings include plums, eggplants, red wine, chocolate pudding, black she goat, black hens, pigeons and guinea hen.
No comments:
Post a Comment