Ọya


Ọya is one of the principal female deities of the Yoruba pantheon. She is the oriṣa of winds, lightning, and storms and is the only oriṣa capable of controlling the Eégún, a power given to her by Babalú Ayé.

Beliefs and Attributes

Ọya lived on Earth as a human from the town of Ira, in present day Kwara state, Nigeria, where she was a wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Shango. In Yorùbá, the name Ọya is believed to derive from the phrase coined from "ọ ya" which means "she tore," referring to her association with powerful winds. She was believed to have the power to shape-shift into a buffalo, and is often depicted as one in traditional Yorùbá poetry. As such, the buffalo serves as a major symbol of Ọya, and it is forbidden for her priests to kill one. She is known as Ọya Ìyáńsàn-án, the "mother of nine", because of the nine children she gave birth to with her third husband Oko, after suffering from a lifetime of barrenness. She is the patroness of the Niger River.
In the Yoruba religion, Ọya was married three times, first to the warrior orisha Ogun, then Shango, and finally, another hunting and farming deity, Oko.
Oya was traditionally worshipped only in the areas of Yorubaland once under the control and influence of the Oyo Empire. Because of the Atlantic slave trade, many of her followers of Oyo origin were kidnapped and sold to the New World, where her worship became widespread. Oya worship has also spread to other parts of Yorubaland.

Characteristics

  • Salutation: "Eeparrei!", or "Epahhey, Oia!"
  • Consecrated day: Wednesday
  • Colors: red, purple and rainbow, burgundy
  • Symbols: "Buffalo tail" eruquerê, a ritual object; or a copper sword
  • Prohibitions: pumpkin, stingray, and mutton
  • Food: acarajé/àkàrà

    Syncretism

In the Americas, Ọya is syncretized with Catholic saints such as Saint Teresa of Ávila and the Virgin of Candelaria.

Myths and legends

Dominion over the dead

Oyá gained control over the dead after dancing for Babalú Ayé, who, moved by her compassion and bravery, granted her dominion over the Eégún. This myth highlights her deep connection with death and spiritual transition.

The nine children

After struggling with infertility, Oyá was advised by a Babalawo to perform a sacrifice involving 18,000 sea snails, colored fabrics, and ram meat. She followed the instructions and gave birth to nine children, earning the name Iyansan.

Egungun cult and rituals

One tale tells of Oyá leading women’s secret rituals in the forest using a disguised monkey to frighten men. Upon being discovered by Ogun, the men reclaimed the cult but still recognized Oyá as its founder, calling her Oyá Igbalé.

Paths of Ọya

Ọya is believed to manifest in 23 avatars or paths:
  1. Oya Yansa Bí Funkó
  2. Oya Dumí
  3. Oya De
  4. Oya Bumí
  5. Oya Bomi
  6. Oya Nira
  7. Oya Igbalé
  8. Oya Niké
  9. Oya Tolá
  10. Oya Dira
  11. Oya Funké
  12. Oya Iya Efon
  13. Oya Afefere
  14. Oya Yansá Mimú
  15. Oya Obinídodo
  16. Oya Yansa Duma
  17. Oya Yansa Doco
  18. Oya Tombowa
  19. Oya Ayawá
  20. Oya Tapa
  21. Oya Tomboro
  22. Oya Yansa Odó
  23. Oya Yansá Orirí

    Candomblé

In Candomblé, Oyá is known as Iansã or lyá Mésàn, or most commonly, Iansã, from the Yoruba Yánsán. She is revered as a fierce warrior, the queen of the Niger River, and the mother of nine. Iansã controls mysteries surrounding the dead and is commonly associated with the color red in the Angola-Congo nation. Her salutation is "Eeparrei!" or "Epahhey, Oia!"
Iansã, as in Yoruba religion, commands winds, storms, and lightning. She is the queen of the river Niger and the mother of nine. She is a warrior and is unbeatable. Attributes of Iansã include great intensity of feelings, sensations, and charm. Another ability attributed to Iansã is control over the mysteries that surround the dead. Iansã is syncretized with Saint Barbara. In the Candomblé nação of Angola Congo, Iansã is associated with the color red.

Ritual foods

Offerings include Àkàrà, eggplant, mulberries, dark chocolate, and specific puddings. Acarajé, a fried patty made from crushed black-eyed peas and spices, is both a ritual food and a street delicacy in Bahia, Brazil.
Acarajé is a spherical patty made with peeled, crushed black-eyed peas, stuffed with small shrimp, okra, crushed peanuts, and other savory, piquant spices. The ball-like patty is fried in dendê oil. It's a traditional Afro-Brazilian dish that is also a traditional offering to Iansã in the Candomblé tradition. A simple, unseasoned form of acarajé is used in rituals and a version served with various condiments is sold as a common street food in Bahia in the northeast of Brazil. Ipeté and bobo de inhame are also associated with Iansã.
In Yorùbá, her food is Àkàrà. Eggplant, mulberries, pudding, and dark chocolate are also foods for Oya.

Symbols and tools

Oyá is symbolized by lightning, swords, flywhisks, and tornados. She wears multicolored garments and carries ritual items forged from metal.