By way of Odunmorayo Okay
Could 18, 2024 | 07:00
The Osun-Osogbo competition is a celebration deeply rooted within the cultural and religious heritage of the Yoruba folks of Nigeria. The Osun-Osogbo Competition has a wealthy historical past spanning over 700 years. In response to custom, the origin of the competition is rooted in an ancestral occasion. Right here's the fascinating story: Way back, a bunch of migrants…
Priestess on the Osun-Osogbo competition. Photograph – Nairaland
The Osun-Osogbo competition is a celebration deeply rooted within the cultural and religious heritage of the Yoruba folks of Nigeria.
The Osun-Osogbo Competition has a wealthy historical past spanning over 700 years. In response to custom, the origin of the competition is rooted in an ancestral occasion.
Right here's the fascinating story:
Way back, a bunch of migrants led by an amazing hunter named Olutimehin settled alongside the banks of the Osun River to flee famine. Once they began slicing down bushes for settlement, the spirit of the river goddess Yeye Ọ̀ṣun appeared earlier than Olutimehin.
She instructed him to steer the folks to a particular place, which might turn into the present-day Osogbo city.
In change for his or her security and prosperity, Yeye requested Ọ̀ṣun for an annual sacrifice. This sacred pact continues to be celebrated because the Osun-Osogbo competition.
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Since then, the sacred groves turned Ọ̀ṣun's religious residence. The goddess is worshiped because the protector of the folks and the supply of life-giving waters.
The Osun-Osogbo Competition is held yearly in August. It attracts 1000’s of believers, spectators and vacationers from all around the world.
Osun, often known as Ọ̀ṣun, Ochún and Oxúm, is a revered orisha (deity) within the Yoruba faith of southwestern Nigeria. She embodies numerous elements of life and spirituality. Above all, she represents divine power, purity, femininity, magnificence, love and fertility.
In Yoruba mythology, Ọ̀ṣun, together with different spirits, performed an essential function within the creation of the world. Her story surrounds themes of female energy.
As a mortal, she fell in love with Shango, the god of thunder and lightning, and have become one among his wives.
Fascinating info in regards to the competition:
Childbirth and fertility
Historically, married ladies who want the fruit of the womb go to the Osun Grove, a sacred place.
Colour of the day
Osun Oshogbo Competition. Photograph: Genii Video games
The Ọ̀ṣun clergymen and priestesses put on white robes in honor of the òrìṣà (deity) of fertility. Furthermore, they type their hair historically, as olórìṣà (initiates of a Yorùbá deity) do.
Complete
Numerous rituals happen through the competition. It’s notable that on August 1, the normal purification of Osogbo, often known as “Iwopopo”, takes place. After this, three days later, the 500-year-old six-point lamp, referred to as “Atupa oloju merindinlogun”, is ceremonially lit after the land has been purified.
Outdated age
The Arugba (gourd bearer) on the Osun-Osogbo competition. Photograph – AFP
A royal virgin carries a symbolic gourd full of sacrificial objects on her head as she walks in the direction of the forest. Her companions, often known as olose (whipping boys), be certain that she completes this journey with out stumbling or falling. The Atáọ́ja then presents the sacrificial objects to the goddess by throwing them into the river, formally ending the Osun competition.
