Yemaya: Who is it, History, Characteristics, Offerings and more

Index

Yemaya, the old woman of the sea, owner of the world, is the representation of the universal mother and mother of all the Orishas. She considers herself Oshun's sister and Shango's sentimental mother.. She was the first woman of Orunmila from whom she stole the secret of working with the opele, being sanctioned to stay guessing with the snail for that action. In her different avatars, she is also the wife of Orisha Oko, Babalú Ayé, Agayú and Oggún.

Who is Yemaya?

Yemaya is identified as an older Orisha. Mother of life. She owns the waters, being the sea the greatest expression of her, since she lives and dominates in the seas and the vast lakes. Her name is a reference to "Yeye Omo Eja" which means: mother of the fish. Yemaya was born with the moon, just as Obatala was born with the sun.

It is believed that Yemaya is a deity as old as Obatala, and just as powerful, although due to his impetuous and violent character he lost the hegemony of the world, for which he was given dominion over the surface of the seas, whose constant movement at through the waves of the sea, represents the character of your personality.

All forms of life have their origin in the sea, just as their presence is reflected in the amniotic fluid where the life of mammals begins. Along with Olokun, it is the root of all possibilities and of all divine manifestations. She is the source of all wealth in company with her sister Oshun.

It symbolizes perfection, industriousness, subordinate occupations, the sea, its mysteries, the depths of the ocean, service, health, efficiency, domestic animals.

In Nigeria it is estimated that Yemaya was born in the city of Vida, which belongs to the Nupe area of Takua land, it is there where the Oggun River is born, and where it is believed that Yemaya lives. This allows him to pilgrimage through many Yoruba lands, since this river crosses many of them. For example, in the land of Oyo, she is known as a virtuous trade deity.

In the city of Shaki she is called Somu Gaga (the one with the huge boobs), she is considered the wife of Okefe, which is the real title with which Orisha Oko is recognized, being in that place where the story in which she is insulted is born. for this Orisha, and due to the embarrassment suffered, he submerges himself in the river and goes to live with Olokun keeping that name.

She is also called Agana, Ashaba, Asusu, according to the place of her worship or the path referred to. Others state that Yemaya comes from the Obeokuta land, and her worship is widespread in Egbado land, where she is also known as: Okoto or Obsa.

In the creation of the human being, Yemaya has direct participation in the phenomenon of life. We know that all forms of life have their origin in the sea, in addition, she is the owner of the amniotic fluid where human embryos are submerged during the gestation process. That is why she is called the Mother of all fish, because just as they live in water, human beings live like fish at the beginning of their lives.

How is it?

He has a deep and changeable temperament which makes it very difficult to guess his intentions and desires. However, she is a virtuous and wise mother. She is sometimes very cheerful and loud. She likes to hunt, swim, handle metal weapons like daggers and machetes. She is indomitable and cunning. She wears seven blue and white skirts, silver and coral jewelry. She represents intelligence, rationality and is a very skilled sorceress, she owns the magic powder.

What is asked of Yemaya?

Yemaya is asked in relation to diseases related to the womb. Women who want to get pregnant regularly come to her. She is usually very effective in cases where you have wars of witchcraft and problems with spirits. She is a deity who fights very well against enemies, especially if it is her children, implacable, she does not forgive her faults.

Characteristics of Yemaya

This Orisha is quite strong and often brave, she is indomitable and cunning, but also a virtuous mother; she uses saya in the same way that she can wear pants just like any other man, even behaving in the same way and matching her strength. On some occasions she can dress as a mariwo and feathers of griffon hens, (especially when she is Okute).

She is a witch who knows the magical arts, she likes to work with Ojuero and Babalu-Aye, and can live both in the sea and at the entrance of the forests, or in the thickness of the mount. Her skills as a merchant made her a very skilled woman to acquire money, she is a hard worker, a food merchant, with knowledge in the dyeing of fabrics and the manufacture of oils from melon seeds.

Oddun isalaye de Yemaya (Sign in which I descend to earth)

The Odu of Ifa that accompanied Yemaya on her journey to earth is Iwori Meyi. The treaty of that sign explains how Yemaya managed to reach a position of relevance in this world, as we can see below.

Colours

Its most representative color is blue in all its shades. Yemaya's relationship with the color blue, in addition to its obvious link that is its power over the waters of the sea, goes much further. In fact, the color blue is the most spiritual of all the colors that make up the rainbow spectrum. Its vibration reflects the essential virtues of this Orisha, such as: calm, protection, hope, happiness, intuition and spiritual balance. On the other hand, to a lesser extent, this saint can be related to the white or translucent color that symbolizes the foam of the sea.

Necklace

The necklace de Yemaya is made of transparent beads that symbolize sea water, and are alternated 7 by 7 with others of various shades of blue. They can also have white beads, and some red, orange, green, or pale pink glories.

The ilde of Yemaya They are usually made with beads of their characteristic colors, predominating as always the blue color. In addition to this, among her favorite jewelry stands out the white metal bracelet, which is usually made of silver and used in groups of 7. These are placed on the tips of her crown, and also used by the daughters of that Orisha in the hand left, especially during iyaworaje. The daughters of Oshun and Oya also use the 7 Yemaya bracelets but, they usually carry them in their right hand.

Number

His number is 7 and all its multiples. In the diloggun he speaks through the Odu Oddi (7). The number 7 with which this saint is identified, like her, is a symbol of spiritual protection, its vibration is very high, so it benefits emotional processes, encourages feelings of love, respect, wisdom, intuition and is charged of great mysticism. This digit is believed to have healing properties that favor the body and the mistress. In addition, it attracts prosperity and good fortune.

Day

Its day of the week is Sunday and its annual celebration according to the rule of Osha or Afro-Cuban Satería takes place on September 7 motivated by its syncretism with the Virgin of Regla, belonging to the Catholic religion. In other countries of the American continent that believe in Umbandist practices, such as Brazil and Uruguay, their day is celebrated on February 2.

Yemaya Tools

Among his tools, Yemaya has 7 silver handles, a half moon, an anchor, a key, a sun, a pair of oars and a rudder, these objects are made of silver, steel, tin or lead. He likes snails, seashells and agbebe (fans) made of guano leaves adorned with mother-of-pearl, gold, beads and snails. He wears a beautifully decorated cloak. A maraca or güira that she uses to greet her and to make her pay attention when she is spoken to.

The tureen of the Orisha Yemaya, It is a blue-painted vessel that can be decorated with seashells, silver-colored ornaments, boats, weights, nets, and all kinds of figures allegorical to the sea.

Yemaya dance

When he gets up on a holy horse he laughs out loud and turns like the waves and turns like the eddies of the ocean. On other occasions she strokes to the rhythm of swimming or performs a dive to get snails, algae and fish for her children. Her dances begin with soft undulations like the waters that slowly stir animated by the breeze and then it increases in intensity like the rough sea.

Drumbeats to this orisha:

Akuakua (Zapateo).
Alaro.
Baby.
Chachálokpafúñ.
Iyesá

Herbs

Among the herbs used in Yemaya rituals we can find: cockroach, water flower, purslane, malanga, witch herb, coriander, jagua, watercress, clover, nightshade, alligator herb, peppermint, violet, sargassum verbena, sabina, aloe, rosemary, reseda, palo verraco, palo syringe or teken teke, palo cochino, water melon, mata negro, mangrove, malanga, majagua, maguey, sea flax, lettuce, seagrass, lucencio de playa, guácima, smelly guama, guano from the coast, grenguere, gereciana from the land, freshness, chichana, cachote, coriander, opalillo de monte, eat face, cajumbo, loadesa, cañamaza, cañacoso, shrimp, camagüira, caisimón, bejuco ubi, bejuco tortugo, bejuco vine, jañateo vine, jaiba vine, corral vine, indigo, purple basil, sweet pepper.

How is Yemaya received or crowned?

The one who makes Yemaya a saint or consecrates himself, the first thing he must do before his coronation is to receive the foundation of the Orisha Olokun, since this deity constitutes a basic and fundamental energy in the life of the children of this Orisha. Then, his consecration in Kari Osha takes place like that of the rest of the Orishas. His ceremony lasts 7 days to start the "iyaworaje" period, which in turn lasts one year.

History

It happened that when a new year was about to begin, at the beginning of time, Olofin called all the Orishas to establish which of them would rule the world at that time. Yemaya, who had always been very wise, before going to the meeting went to consult with Orunmila through the Ifa oracle, who after making divination seeing this Odu, told her that she should make a sacrifice with: a ram, two roosters , sea sand and the other basic ingredients of ebbo. At the end, she had to bring the head of the ram to the meeting, so that her aspirations would give good results. She followed to the letter all the advice that was given to her.

When all the saints were gathered before Olofin, each of them wanted to be chosen as regent of the earth, Olofin at the beginning of his speech told them: "I see that all of you have come from very far, now, has any of you brought something? for the meeting?" Yemaya immediately stated that she had brought the head of a ram, being the only one to present an offering for such an event.

Olofin, realizing that, sentenced: «Yemaya, you brought a head and therefore, you will be a head. They went Eshú». In this way, Yemaya came down to earth with great power, being in those times the one who ruled the world.

What are Yemaya's children like?

They are characterized by having great spiritual ability and being witches by nature. They have a personality that is sometimes strong or changeable like the waves of the sea. They tend to be helpful, analytical, perfectionist, demanding, orderly, neat, meticulous, lovers of the sea and nature, industrious, modest, logical, far-sighted and practical. They are very critical, sometimes foolish, even fussy and very demanding. They can become complex, somewhat hypochondriacal, skeptical, incredulous, sometimes very extroverted or too inhibited, very maternal or paternal or not very affectionate. When they get upset they have a hard time forgiving.

In love

Yemaya's children in love They are very protective and devoted, when they fall in love they are usually very intense and passionate. They like to show off the person next to them. They tend to show their feelings without any complex and are willing to love deeply, they can even do it with such intensity that they are susceptible to becoming obsessed with their partner. But, in general, they are very splendid on a sentimental level, they fight and do not give up easily to keep their relationship afloat.

Prohibitions:

Yemaya's children must not eat watercress or okra under any circumstances, they cannot kill mice or cockroaches, because the Orisha can appear through those animals; they must respect the sea and the food that comes from it; and they should not kill ants. It is usually recommended that they have respect for the foods preferred by the goddess such as: water melon and pork.

Names of saint (Kari Osha) for the children of Yemaya

Tinomi: brandy watered in the sea.
Tinibu: brandy watered in the river.
Olomicuye: The son of Olokun lives inside the Water or the water of Olokun.
Ominike: Yemaya's spoiled son or daughter.
Efunyomi: Water and husk.
Omi Oloyu: Yemaya's eyes.
Alaichemi: The Wisdom of Yemaya.
Omideniye: Yemaya's riches are in the sea.
Omolotigua: I am the son of Yemaya and Elegua.
Omi Omire: The water of the ire of Yemaya.
Oronadde: Rainbow Crown.
Omilanaocun: The waves of the sea.
Olomidara: The coronation of Yemaya.
Winger: Mantle of Salvation.
Omi Oddecun: The deep sea fisherman.
Olokun Ara: The son or daughter of the sea and the land.
Omilagua: Responsible water.
Omi Alami: Yemaya's oars.
Arima Omi: The beauty of Yemaya.
Omi ala: Mantle of Yemaya.
Omi yori: The Spring that is born in the sea.

Yemaya Roads

Yemaya Asesu

Her name means "she who has no memory", she is very absent-minded. She lives in stagnant water and in the pipe. She eats duck, and she also owns the geese and swans. Yemaya Asesu is born in the Odu of Ifa Irete Di. She is the inseparable daughter of Olokun. Inside her tureen she carries an Osun that has a duck on top instead of a rooster, this symbolizes Asessú's triumph over her enemies. Her tureen must contain sea sand and be adorned with: ducks, two wooden masks loaded with the secret of her Ozain, 21 coins, and three chains hanging from her receptacle.

Yemaya okute

She is Ogun's wife. She powerful witch who wields brass instruments and uses Ogun's tools. She is foreman of the Egun. Her followers praise her as "the beloved lady of the river." She is a skilled warrior. She is called Okute but her real name is Okunte, which means: the brave. Her full name is: Yemaya Okunte Ogumasomi. In Arara land they call him Akadume. She eats rooster together with Oggun, and she never eats duck. Among her attributes she carries: a small lead pot, an anvil, a torch, silver pearls and a chain with 21 pieces of Oggun that hangs from her tureen. She is syncretized with our Lady of the Snows. She is the one who lives in frozen water and at the poles.

Pataki: Birth of Yemaya Okute

Yemayá Okuté was a woman with a very intense character and a lover of doing her will, for that reason she had a great war with all the children of her land. In view of this great confrontation, all her enemies gathered, managing to agree to defeat her. But she Yemaya, she had great power over the Eggún, whom she influenced to defend herself against her opponents. As a result of this action, a great mortality occurred in that land.

Realizing what he had caused, he was greatly alarmed and fled from that place, pilgrimage through different lands, until he reached the land of Omí Mayafra (the land of snow and ice), which was very far away. In that place, Yemaya, thanks to the powerful ashe she had over Eggún, had positioned herself using the Mayafra as her dress.

After many years, Okute's whereabouts were unknown, countless warriors had gone out in search of him, all their efforts being unsuccessful. Finally, none dared to cross the limits of the land of Omí Mayafra, which was known as a kingdom of silence and death.

It was then that Oggun, who was a brave and brave warrior, decided to take all his weapons and set out to look for her with all his might, but first, he decided to go to Orunmila's house for divination, being advised by Ifá through this Odu, indicating the necessary sacrifices to successfully achieve the goal that had been set.

Oggun immediately carried out the recommended eboses, later leaving for the Omi Mayafra land. Upon reaching that place he began to look for Okuté, being surprised by her beauty when he found her. She that woman had a shiny skin, covered with a fine frost of ice. Noticing that she was asleep, he wrapped her with his chains, taking her to a cave where he wrapped her with the heat of his body until he sensitized him, and made ofikale trúpon, after this, he made her his wife, so he went to live together to the. However, Yemaya would never forget the good that land did her, keeping for herself a crown and a mantle from that land. That is why Yemayá Okuté is known as "Ayaba Mayafra" (the snow queen).

Ibu Akinomi

It is the one that lives in the peak of the waves. Her name means: "the one who when she is angry she makes the whole world tremble". Among her tools are a sailboat, a mermaid, a half moon, a seahorse, a whale, a buoy, and a rowboat. Her color is prussian blue, light blue, green, and aqua. In Arara land they call her Zadike.

yemoja gold

It is very mysterious. She lives with the Eggun. She awakens and moves the spirits. Her favorite food is duck. They call her "the siren who sings". Her favorite woods to work with are poplar and cypress. Among her attributes she carries: a mask, a saber, a lyre, a mermaid, sea shells, 4 plates, and a cypress wood doll that contains a secret cargo. Her color is dark blue, jet and aqua. In the Arara land they call it "Kusuwu".

Ibu Konla

She is known as “she who builds ships”. She is a scribe and very educated, she is given a pen, paper, an inkwell and a compass. Her colors are Prussian blue and cocoa. In Arara land she is called "Kwehoto".

Yemaya Awoyo

Wear a rainbow as a crown. She is an elderly but very strong and powerful warrior. She is said to be the richest of the Yemaya. She wears very luxurious clothes, and Olokun jewelry. She is the representation of growth, expansion and all the marine treasures. When she goes to war she dresses in 7 skirts. She defends her children in a very brave way. She lives in the ocean very far from the shore.

Yemaya Yembo (Yemu)

She was the one who gave birth to all the Orisas. She is the first Yemaya that existed. She lives in the calm sea. It is said that her beauty is unmatched, that all creatures are mesmerized by her charms. She is the owner and ruler of all the waters of the world and of all conceptions. She is also considered to be the female representation of Obatala. Her color is sky blue, crystal blue, coral and white. She eats rooster, duck and pigeons. Her offerings are sacrificed one at a time. Outside of her tureen she carries a 16-step ladder with two snail hands sewn to it, and inside of it she keeps a key and a white metal anchor.

Yemaya Mayelewo

He lives in the middle of the sea and manages the currents of the seven seas. She wears seven different colors, but she owns all the colors in the world, and she keeps them contained in a gourd that she ties around her waist. Her foundation lives on a basket with 7 white plates adorned with 9 colored scarves and an Orunmila necklace is placed on top. She lives in the middle of the sea and in the seven ocean currents. She is a skilled trader. Mayelewo is the one that differentiates each saint by the painting that Olofin sent. Her name means: "the one who is interested in money and commerce". She was the one who painted the water blue in the company of Asesú. She wears a mask. She is the one who taught the art of commerce, encouraging relationships between human beings.

Ibu Okoto

She is a lady, a great Amazon, a powerful warrior, a pirate. She wears pants and is able to do everything men do, she kills her enemies with a scimitar or daggers. She lives in the red sea, or in the red tide stained with the blood of her enemies that she has killed. Her name means "the one who lives among the shells". Her energy is present in naval combat. Her tureen is adorned with sea shells. Among her attributes stands out a piece of a shipwrecked ship that is lined with seven hands of snails, a saber, a pirate flag, a spear and a dagger. She likes the color Prussian blue and all snails. In Arara land they call him "Dokuno".

Yemaya Achaba

She is a powerful fortune teller, she was the one who threw Orunmila's opel. Her name means "the captain of the ship". She is the eldest of all the Yemaya and the first daughter of Olokun. She owns the boats and the marine vessels. She does not eat duck unless it is necessary and it is done with a special ceremony. Her tureen is a Greek-style amphora, which is crossed by a chain and surrounded by 101 parrot feathers. Among her attributes she carries: seven hooks, a little mermaid, three earthenware dolls, an arrow, a dragon, a whirlpool, a sword, a horse, a machete, and balls of different colors. She is placed with two spurs that have been used, to achieve power and dominance in life. Her full name is: Yemaya Ashaba Oggun Fasoggun Aralotoye Ishoro Oddun. On land she Arara is called "Ewa Huga".

Ibu Jabani

She is the one who lives next to Borosia. In her secret she has a wooden skull that contains a secret cargo. She uses two metal arrows lined with seashells that hang from a chain tied to her jar.

Yemaya Ibu Oleyo

She is the sister of Ibu Okoto. She belongs to the land of Ayetaro. She likes to eat quail and her foundation lives in a clay jar that carries a boat on top of it where she goes Ozain. Among her tools she uses 21 seashells and a scimitar.

elowo

She is the owner of the money that is scattered throughout the sea. Her snail hand is kept inside a small chest with 75 needles that is inside her tureen, but she cannot get water into it.

Yemaya Akeke:

She is the servant of Olofin. The foundation of it lives on a dried fish called sole. Among her tools, she carries: a clay doll, tortoiseshells, an arrow, a small boat, 7 colored balls and a sword. Her favorite colors are: blue, green and aqua.

Yemaya Agana

Her name means "the furious or crazy", she is the one who makes it rain. She was the wife of Orisha Oko. She has considerable beauty but, she has seven balls in her belly and one leg is thinner than the other. She lives in the deepest abysses of the sea. She is said to be one of Olofin's favorite daughters. It is believed that it was this Yemaya that sank Atlantis. She works alongside Oroiña. She can never be short of canutillo. Among her tools she carries: a handle, a triangle, an anchor, a rudder, a boat, and a stone on which a woman's face is carved in honor of Mayelewo. Her color is prussian blue, aqua coral, green and orange. She wears seven colored scarves in different shades around her tureen and one doll. In Arara land they call him "Agwalaru".

Yemaya Taramawa

Her name means "the one who is important at all times." She is the owner of the treasures of the sea. Her secret is kept inside her tureen in a trunk or chest surrounded by garments, shells, oysters, pearl necklaces, 2 metal mirrors, a saber, a compass, two coins and a key. Her favorite colors are light blue, cocoa and coral. She lives in the flora and forests of the deep sea. She is fitted with a majagua doll dressed in white with a secret charge of the Ozain on it. Her favorite adimu are sapotes. In Arara land she is called "Tofodun".

Ibu Gunle

It means “the one that lives in the sediment of the sea”. The cult of her comes from the land of Iyeza. She dwells in the waters of the seashore. Its foundation is placed on a piece of reef, accompanied by shells and sea sand, two long oars, a tarraya, a saber and a small boat. His favorite colors are dark blue and aqua. The Arara call him "Kedire".

ibu tinibu

Ibu Tinibu is the Yemaya that gives energy to the troubled sea. She lives in a jar and sea shells, a rudder, a propeller, a small boat, and a pelican are placed on it. Her color is Prussian blue, sky blue, and cocoa.

Yemaya Ibu Ina

Intervenes in disputes. She is said to be very ambitious and arrogant. She is the mother of Oshosi and Inle. She can eat snapper and goat under a special ceremony. Among her tools she has a bow and an arrow, a little fish, a jamo, a snake, a cane, and a cap lined with seven snail hands. Her colors are: Prussian blue, cocoa and amber. In the Arara land they call her “Meñani”.

Yemaya Oggun Ayipo: She is a strong warrior, Okute's sister. She lives in the river and on the sands. Her receptacle is lined with mariwo. She is described as a woman with large breasts. She is the one who intervenes so that mature women can remain pregnant. Among her tools she carries nine curved machetes.

Yemaya Ogun Asomi

She is another of Okute's sisters, she belongs to the group of Amazon warriors. She lives on the surface of the sea. She uses two machetes, an ax and a mask. Her favorite adimu is plantains. She drinks aguardiente and smokes tobacco. In the Arara land she is considered the companion of Azojuano.

Yemoja Ibu Node

It lives in the rivers. She is a kind and very beautiful woman. She uses an Oggun chain from which 67 pieces hang. She eats quail. Inside the receptacle she carries an arrow. Her Ozain rides on a snail.

yanase

They say that she is the one who raised Changó like his mother. Her tureen is a jar that is adorned with a crown of snails, where Ozain is placed. Among her tools she has seven axes. To serve her, seven white candles are lit.

Yemaya Alaro

She is the owner of the indigo. Her tureen is lying on a tile with 7 colors known as Kuinlolode. Inside her receptacle she carries an irawo, a star, 7 hooks and 7 sabers.

Adimuses and offerings to Yemaya

Yemaya likes gofio balls with cane molasses, corn on the cob in wheels, fine corn, fried yams with cane molasses, yellow rice with pork meat, okra with green plantain or yam balls. , black beans cooked without broth and without corn, burnt coconut, or four whole fishermen on a white plate with blue stripes. They offer grains, olele and eko, cane molasses, coconuts, bananas, water melons, pineapples, papayas, grapes, water pears, apples, oranges, sweet potatoes, yams, and all kinds of fruits and vegetables; corojo oil, pork, drink jícaras of water with molasses and brandy.

Among his favorite foods are:

El Ochinchin: shrimp stew, capers, boiled eggs, chard and tomato.
The ekó: corn tamale that is soaked all day, is ground in a pestle and cooked by beating it in a fat-free and unsalted casserole, shaped into a bun and wrapped in fresh banana leaves.
The olelé: face beans are soaked, they are passed through a sieve to remove the shell, a paste is formed and salt is added, garlic and onions are minced by adding pieces of ginger to the dough, a pan is put in hot butter , and when it boils, it is poured over the bean mass that had previously been beaten well, paper molds are prepared and filled with this paste.
The banana ladybugs: consists of offering slices of green banana, accompanied by fried pork in corojo oil, seasoned with cane molasses.
Malarrabia sweet: it is a very popular sweet in Cuba that is made from pieces of boiled sweet potato, bathed in a molasses made with cane molasses, cinnamon, spice cloves, and orange rind.

Among their favorite fish we have: the guabina, the eel, the snapper, the yellowtail snapper, the grouper, the saw, the sole, the marlin, the grouper, the emperor, among others.

When Yemaya is upset It is recommended to wrap your otá in leaves of: watercress, lettuce, chayote and purslane. This usually cools her down.

Offerings to Yemaya in the sea

The offerings to the Orisha Yemaya that are carried or made directly in the sea are a very effective attention to gain the blessings propitiated by this divinity. Among the services that can be performed we have:

Pour the content of seven bottles of cane molasses directly into its waters.
Give him a plate of black-eyed beans, with pork and banana ladybugs.
Place one or seven fruit bombs or sideburns.
Offer him a bowl of sweet corn sprinkled with indigo water.
Bring him coconut candy.
Beg him with a melon to which seven little blue flags are placed.
Offer him a basket with all kinds of grains, vegetables, fruits, meats, flowers and 7 coins.
Feed him mutton, roosters or pork on the shore or on the boardwalk.
Offer him a duck with a blue bow around his neck, which is given to him to swim in the waters of the sea.

How to attend it?

It is also offered: tostones with pork fried in corojo oil, okra with green banana balls or yams, black beans cooked without broth and without corn, gofio levers with melado, burnt coconut, four whole fishermen on a white striped plate blue, honey, corojo and husk, watercress, lettuce, endive, chard and chayote.

When Yemaya is angry, she uses watercress, lettuce, chayote and purslane to refresh her otá. Its favorite fruit is the water melon or pin, but also pineapples, papayas, grapes, water pears, apples, bananas and oranges. It is customary to offer the water and cane molasses in gourds. Of the fish he prefers guabina, eel, snapper, yellowtail, cabrilla, saw, sole, marlin, cherna, emperor and others.

That eats?

Rams, roosters, bananas, geese, ducks (with the exception of Ashaba and Ocute), pigs and quails are slaughtered.

Flowers and perfume that this Orisha likes

Yemaya's favorite flowers are water flower and violet. water flower, In addition to being a very old flower, it represents births and the cycle of life, in which Yemaya has a very important influence by pouring its energetic essence into the waters where the embryos live in order to develop until the moment of delivery. the violets On the other hand, from the fourth century BC through the Middle Ages, to the present, they have had a charming mysticism, their perfume is highly appreciated and even medicinal properties are attributed to it, so it is not at all surprising that they are of the pleasure of the Orisha.

In addition, Yemaya likes white roses very much, in fact, it is believed that when her children have a health problem they can take a basket of white roses to the seashore, where they will call the Orisha by throwing the roses at her so that she through your spiritual gifts help them heal.

Her favorite perfume is vervain, whose use, in addition to being pleasant to the nose, has properties similar to Yemaya. In ancient times it was used during childbirth. It is estimated that verbena is capable of increasing the flow of breast milk, and has great analgesic capacity. Also, it stimulates feelings of calm by reducing stress, insomnia and anxiety.

Adimu to Yemaya for the money

This adimu to Yemaya is placed to ask for the development of business, to obtain a job or achieve an economic evolution that is being sought. A lot of young corn is roasted, then it is placed inside a basket that is decorated with blue ribbon. On one side, a bottle of honey is placed inside the corn and on the other side, a bottle of molasses cane. The Orisha is presented with two white candles on the sides. After 7 days, she takes it to the sea, throwing the corn into the water and the contents of both bottles, praying for its prosperity.

Who is Yemaya in the Catholic religion?

Yemaya is syncretized in the Catholic religion with the Virgen de Regla, also known as "the Virgin marinera." Legend has it of the Virgin of Regla that when a group of bandits arrived in the city of Hipona, the disciples of Saint Augustine, who was the bishop of said African city, fled in a terrified boat with the image of a Virgin in their hands. . According to tradition, the image is believed to date from 300 AD

Those marine waters took these men of faith to the shore of the Chipiona promontory, where they founded a monastery on the remains of some ancient construction. But that was not the only vicissitude that the image of the Virgin opened when the Arabs arrived in 713, the prior Simón hid it in a well under a nearby fig tree along with the utensils to give the mass.

In 1.330 a canon of the Cathedral of León, which was crossing the peninsula, sitting under a fig tree had a vision that told him where the image of the Virgin was hidden for 617 years. Upon finding her, in that place over time she became patron of the men of the sea. He is credited with abundant miraculous events and cures.

Virgin of Regla

Due to its location, right at the mouth of the Guadalquivir, the ships that traveled back and forth to America, paid tribute to the Virgin, since her sanctuary was the last thing they saw before going out to sea.

In Cuba, in the town of Guaicanamar whose meaning is "facing the sea", a hermitage was erected where an image of the Virgin of Regla from Spain was placed, brought from the hands of Sergeant Major Pedro de Aranda, being the object of much devotion since then. Giving its name to the village of Regla, recognizing it as its patron on December 23, 1714. Regla is a municipality of Havana with more than three centuries of existence.

Its symbolism of great parity with Yemaya is evident when both are recognized in Cuba as protectors of sailors and their close relationship with multiple aquatic histories. His blue clothing and the black complexion of the Virgin, when carved in a wood with that tonality, allowed the Yoruba to syncretize them very naturally. The veneration that Cubans feel for both or for one in itself, on the part of the Cubans is as incalculable and profound, as their ancient surprising history.

Pataki and Yemaya Stories

Yemaya lived with Obatala

It happened that Obatala and Yemaya lived together, but they felt alone because their children were scattered around the world and that made them very sad. On his part, the monkey that was the son of Obatala was not considered by anyone and was going through the world experiencing hardship, Obatala, knowing that, was very worried, and took him to his house to live with them.

Little by little the monkey gained the trust and love of Obatala and Yemaya, being very spoiled by both Orishas. They showered him with gifts, clothing, so much so that he seemed like a person, always very well dressed. He attended the visits that came to look for Yemaya and Obbatala and everyone began to respect him.

Like any member of the family, the monkey had his seat at the table, becoming increasingly important and changing his way of thinking, filled with vanity, to the point of thinking that without him Yemaya and Obatala were nobody.

One day, while everyone was sitting at the table, Obatala asked the monkey to bring him the bread, responding that he should take it himself because when the Kings ate they could not be disturbed. Surprised Obatala reprimanded him, but the monkey without hesitation answered disrespecting Baba.

After that incident, Obatala left the table very upset, a moment that the monkey took advantage of to pounce on Yemaya trying to make official trupon with her. Yemaya, in defense of her, hit the monkey on the head with a chain that she had, taking it from above.

Immediately, Yemaya went to Orunmila's house who made divination for him seeing the Odu Osa Odi, and told him: "He who was born to be a monkey, is a monkey, and stays a monkey." Then, he prepared the chain for Yemaya, recommending that he give it to Obatala, that they sit at the table with the monkey again and offer him to drink until he was drunk, when he was very drunk they should put the chain on him and lock him up, because the best thing was avoid a confrontation with him, because even though they would always beat him, if he bit them their blood would get sick.

They followed all the recommendations of Ifa, seizing the monkey with the chain around his neck and turning him into a slave, locked behind bars and subjected to the ridicule of everyone who saw him. In this way, the monkey lost his power and returned to being what he was before, for not knowing how to thank Obatala and Yemaya for the help they gave him.

Shango, Yemaya and the secret

It happened that Obatala had a secret about Chango's birth, so he gave it to his daughter Dada Ibañi to raise him. Obatala went every day to his daughter Dada's house to visit his son. Chango as a child was very pampered, so he grew up spoiled and proud.

In those times, Obatala treated Oggun very badly, which is why, one very annoying day, he tried to find out the reason why Chango was pampered in that way, insisting so much on Yemaya to reveal the truth, until convincing her to give him the long-awaited secret.

One day, annoyed Ogun told Shango that he knew a secret about his life, and that if he told it it would be a big scandal. Chango full of arrogance challenged Oggun to reveal what he knew, because he considered that he had nothing hidden. Ogun told him without hesitation, and embarrassed Chango went to ask Yemaya if what Ogun said was true. At first, she denied everything, but Chango insisted so much that she had no choice but to accept the truth. Therefore, Chango decided to abandon everything, even moving away from his father Obatala, since, from that moment on, he could not continue to be the same proud and arrogant that he had always been.

Yemayá and Oshun

It happened that every time Oshun had a son, he went to Yemaya's house and left him in her care so he could walk the world. Yemaya received them and raised them, but Oshun did not appear again until she had another son to leave her once again, and so he repeated several times, without even going to visit them.

Elegua who always knew everything, noticed that Oshun was passing in front of Yemaya's house in disguise and told her without hesitation. Yemaya very upset, she stopped at the door of her house to try to identify her.

Then Oshun once again walked past Yemaya disguised as usual, but she called her name. Yemaya warned him that from that day on he would not tolerate one more of her faults and that he could not complain about her when she was deceived by her. Oshun very surprised asked him how he had recognized her? But she, full of shame, apologized to her sister, promising that from that moment on she would not continue committing that type of fault.

Yemaya phrases

Yemaya says: «There is no greater mission on earth than that of motherhood».
Yemaya says: "who dares to mess with my children, faces the full force of the sea."
Oh my Yemaya!
The great Mother, the creator.
The one who always watches over her children.
Yemaya. Santeria: Afro-descendant Religion.

Prayers (Oriki) to Yemaya

Invocation

(I pray to Yemaya praising the Spirit of the Mother of Fishing)

Agbe nor igbe 're ki yemoha Ibikeji heard. Aluko ni igbe 're k'lose, ibikeji heard.

The bird receives its good fortune from Yemoja, the Goddess of the Sea. The Aluko bird receives its good fortune from the Spirit of the Albufera, the helper of the Goddess of the Sea.

Ogbo odidere i igbe're k'oniwo. Omo at'Orun gbe 'gba aje ka'ri w'aiye.

The parrot brings good fortune to the chief of Iwo. Children are the ones who bring good fortune from Heaven to Earth.

Olugbe-rere ko, Olugbe-rere ko, Olugbe-rere ko. Gne rere ko ni olu-gbe-rere. TOse.

It is the Almighty who gives good things, it is the Almighty who gives good things, it is the Almighty who gives good things. Give me good things Almighty God, because you are the one who gives good things. Asé.

Prayer for Love

Spirit of the sea, Yemaja.

Guardian of water, life and procreation.

You who are the sweetness of the water that flows smoothly.

You who bring fortune, love and children.

Children are born inside your word.

You who are the one who buys the secret of the magic pumpkin.

Mother of Fishing buys the secret of the magic pumpkin.

You expose the omen, and you solve it yourself,

You expose the riddle and you solve it yourself.

You expose my wishes and prayers and you solve them yourself,

Bring to me with your magical energy that love that I beg of you,

Bring me your magic representation, to reach the lover I want,

There is nothing that blocks the way of big water.

There is nothing that I ask of you and your feet are not granted. Asé.

I pray to Yemaya to ask for Health

Queen Mother, I thank you. Queen Mother, I thank you.

Mighty Queen, the depth of indigo is fearful within the river,

Make a path for her.

Queen Mother, I am grateful to you for my life and my health today always.

Mother of the world. Asé.

Works, Works and Rituals with Yemaya

For the love

Dry corn, lard, corojo butter, cane molasses, honey, brown sugar, indigo, cocoa butter, coconut butter, 7 wicks, the name of the person you want to attract, are placed in a container. It is left on for the 3 days at the foot of Yemaya, and after that time it is wrapped in a blue cloth and taken to the sea.

To defeat the enemies

The name of the enemy is placed on a plate, on top of it is added coffee grounds, a fathom of candle, everything is covered with pica pica and a duck's head is placed on top of the ingredients. This work is done at the foot of Yemaya Okute. He introduces himself and tells him: what you have there was put by so-and-so (your enemy) until you take it out of the way, he will have you there.

Work at the foot of yemaya for health

In a basin they put 7 ears of corn, put a little water, a little white and brown sugar on each ear, with 7 cents, asking Yemaya for health and let them hatch there.