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Showing posts with label Santeria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santeria. Show all posts

Monday, May 4, 2026

May The Force Be With You: What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means (complete reprint)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part I presents several online excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

This is a complete reprint with the addition of two YouTube videos of the March 2, 2020 pancocojams post with a similar title. That post is still available on this blog.

The Addendum to this post presents a reprint from the only two comments for that March 2020 post. The comment section for that post is still open and comments are welcome for this 2026 post.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

May the Force be with you.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1


AfrikCosmos, Nov 7, 2025

Unlock the ancient power of Àṣẹ and Ịse — the sacred science of vibration in Yoruba and Igbo thought. Discover how the spoken word creates worlds, and learn how to use these forces for manifestation, authority, and spiritual power.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 --  Àṣẹ àti Orí: What Do 'Ase' and 'Ori' Mean? | The Physical & Spiritual Aspects and Connections


Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónkẹ́, Jul 5, 2019

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ÀSE" (ALSO GIVEN AS ACHE, AXE, AND ASHE)

(These excerpts are given in no particular order.)

Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha#Ashe
"Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà.[6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors.[7]

The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude.[1]"

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.orishaimage.com/blog-gallery/ashe
" "Ashe" is a very central word and concept for Orisha-worship. On the one hand it is used often at the end of prayers. It means "may our prayers become reality, may we receive the blessing by the Orisha, short: may it manifest!"

On the other hand "Ashe" more generally also stands for the eternal energy that fills the cosmos. It is the abstract power and principle of Olodumare, God. Calling for "Ashe" is calling for what lies beyond our human reality, that God’s will manifests on earth, where we live at the moment, and that we can experience Olodumare’s power.

It is written in the four main languages of Orisha-worship worldwide, from Nigeria to the diaspora of slavery and from there to the rest of the world: Yoruba, Spanish/Lukumi, Portuguese/Nago and English."

****
Excerpt #3
From https://science.jrank.org/pages/11051/Religion-African-Diaspora-Spiritual-Assets-Ase-Konesans.html
"Religion
African Diaspora Spiritual Assets: Ase And Konesans

Two central concepts in some African-derived religions are ase (or axe) and konesans (connaissance). Ase is the divine force, energy, and power incarnate in the world. Olodumare gives ase to everything, including inanimate objects. Ashe is the power behind all things in the universe. It enables people to find balance in life. The orishas are bearers of asheSanteros (Santerían priests) use ase to provide blessing and healing to devotees. "Ashe is a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. The prayers, rhythms, offerings, taboos of Santería tune initiates into this flow" (Murphy, 1993, p. 131). In Santería, herbs are impregnated with ashe. The color of the Obatala conducts ashe. Part of the Vodun initiation ceremonies gives the priest intuitive knowledge, or konesans, enabling him to understand people, diagnose problems, and perform healing."...

****
Excerpt #4
From http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/
"What is axé?

[...]

The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi.

In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting.

Some references to axé in capoeira songs:
Axé, axé / Capoeira tem muito axé
Axé, axé / Capoeira has lots of axé

Dos velhos Mestres que viveram na Bahia,
Manda todo o seu axé e também sua magia
Bahia manda seu axé pra mim

From the old Mestres who lived in Bahia,
Send all your axé and also your magic
Bahia send your axé to me

Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia.

There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão."
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_(music) for information about the genre of Brazilian music called "Axé".

****
Excerpt #5
From http://capoeiraucainla.com/home-capoeira-losangeles/2010/12/13/capoeira-wiki-word-of-the-week-axe-updated.html
Excerpts from the website CANDOMBLE - Uma Religião sem Mistérios a Serviço do Povo.

Translated by yours truly Guatambu (any improvements to the translation contact me)
"O Axé

A magical energy, the universal sacred of the orixá. A powerful energy that is always neutral. Manipulated and directed by men through the orixás and their symbols and/or elements. "

The most precious of Ilê*, axé is the force that ensures dynamic existence.It is transmitted, should be maintained and developed, as all forces may increase or decrease; and this variation is related to the activity and conduct of the ritual.The conduct is determined by the scrupulous observance of the duties and obligations of each holder of axé, yourself, orixá, and Ilê.The development of individual and group axé affects the axé of the Ilê.

* - Ilê requires its own definition here. Ilê is basically synonymous with terreiro. A terreiro is a temple or house of candomblê. Think of it like you would your local church, synagogue, mosque, or buddhist temple. Each of these types of houses of worship have their unique characteristics in terms of symbols, architecture, look, and feel, and the same is true for a terreiro. - Guatambu

"The axé is connected to the initiated, and directly proportional to its ritual conduct - the relationship with his deity, his community, his duties and his babalorixá (priest of candomblé)."

The strength of the axé is contained and transmitted by certain elements and material substances, is transmitted to humans and objects, maintaining and renewing the powers of accomplishment.The axé is contained in a variety of representative elements of the kingdoms: animal, vegetable and mineral, water (fresh and salt), earth, and forest (untamed vegetation or urban space).It is contained in the natural and essential substances of each being whether simple or complex, living or dead, that make up the universe.

There are places, sounds, objects and body parts (especially animal) impregnated with axé. For example, the heart, liver, lungs, gizzard, kidney, feet, hands, tail, bones, teeth, ivory, genitals, roots, leaves , river water, sea, rain, lake, pool, waterfall, orô (prayer), Adja (sort of bell), illus (drums) ...

Every ritual act and offering involves the transmission and revitalization of axé.To be truly active, these ritual acts and offerings must come from the combination of those elements that allow for a specific result or achievement. To receive axé means to incorporate the symbolic elements that represent the vital and essential principles of all that exists.

Xerife pointed out Mestre Acordeon's song "Pedir o Axé", and added the lyrics with translation below...

Vamos pedir o axé

(Lets ask Axé)

Pressa roda começar

(So this round can begin)

De conforme os fundamentos

(Within the fundations)

Capoeira e candomblé

(Capoeira and candomblé)

Axé Babá

(Axé Babá)

Oh ie viva Meu Deus! AXÉ BABÁ

(Oh yea viva my god! Axé Babá)

Oh Ie viva Seu Bimba! MEU CAMARÁ

(Oh yea viva my Bimba! My friend)

Oh ie é mestre meu! SEMPRE SERÁ

(Oh yea you are my master! ALWAYS WILL BE)

Oh ie volta do mundo! QUE O MUNDO DÁ

(Oh yeaa the world spins! That the world does)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai! MEU PAI XANGô

(Lets ask axé, my father! My father Xangô)

Vamos pedir o axé, minha mãe! IEMANJÁ

(Lets ask axé, my mother! IEMANJA)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu rei! REI OXALÁ

(Lets ask Axé, my king! KING OXALÁ)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai MEU PAI XANGÔ

(Lets ask Axé, my father MY FATHER XANGÔ)

Reparado added from Mestre Acordeon's book...

"Aché (Axé, Asé) is the magic force that moves all things in the universe according to the African religions in Brazil. It exists in all realms of nature and can be transmitted through specific rituals. Although Capoeira has no direct connection with religion, the capoeiristas, as the majority of Brazilians, are related one way or another with Afro-Brazilian rituals. Aché in Capoeira means the connection with the roots, a special energy to be developed by any capoeirista. To wish aché to someone means to wish good luck. For those who believe, some special people transmit aché through their wishes."

p.6 Almeida, Bira(Mestre Acordeon). Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1986. Print.

Espantalho added...

“At the heart of this Yoruba religion is the concept of àse, an individual’s personal spiritual power, which grows throughout life through a person’s diligent application to doing good deeds, coupled with appropriate and calm behavior and with service to the gods in the form of sacrifice. The reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essentially the giving of strength, the renewal of àse to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive worshipers with added ase. The rules of this loving support between humans and gods are all known to that father-of-all-knowledge, the babalawo”

~The Way of the Orisa by Philip Neimark p. XII

Babalawo is a priest of Yoruba religion.

“The orisa are energy that, for the most part, represent aspects of nature. Osun (pronounced O-SHUN) represents sweet waters, love, money, conception; Sango (pronounced Zhan-GO) represents thunder and lightning, strategy, and he is the warrior; Esu (pronounced A-shew), messenger to Oludumare (the single God), owner of roads and opportunities, owner of ase (spiritual energy)"...

****
Excerpt #6
From http://www.orishanet.org/vocab.html
"Lucumí Vocabulary

Lucumí or Lacumí is the Yoruba language as it is spoken in Cuba and the United States. Yoruba is a tonal language like Chinese. The accents serve to approximate the tones for those of us who aren't familiar with tonal language. Also, some of the difficult sounds like the african "p" sound which is pronounced as kind of a "kp" sound is approximated using "kp" or "cu". This vocabulary follows the Spanish orthography with a few exceptions to help English speakers:

The "ch" in Spanish is used simply because there is no "sh" in Spanish. We use "sh" here.

The "y" in Spanish often has an edge to it that approximates the English (and Yoruba) "j" sound. I have taken the liberty of using "j" here where applicable.

The "ñ" sound is used very sparingly here and is usually substituted here with "y".

As in Spanish, the accent is on the second to last syllable unless there is an accent mark over another syllable.

I should note here that Lacumí is an oral tradition and that the written versions were meant to be more "cheat sheets" than anything else and should not be used as "proof" of the decomposition of the language. Lakumí speakers in Matanzas and other areas speak very much as any Yoruba speaker would. I have spoken with Nigerian born Yoruba speakers in Lacumí without any difficulty whatsoever. In fact, on one occasion I was greeted with a very surprised "you speak Yoruba!!!" from the astonished Yoruba man I was speaking with.

Here are a few words in Lucumí to get you started:

[...]

Ashé: So Be It, The Spiritual Power of the Universe, Talent”...

****
Excerpt #7
From https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/39/ritmo-con-ach Ritmo Con Aché

[...]

a) "Aché does not mean ache. Ache is dolor, or achaques. The letter H is hache in Spanish. According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, of the Real Academia Española, aché is not a word in the Spanish language. However, looking up the song, if found a page on the song stating that aché is an african word that means a divine life force (in the santeria religion). Aché is a word in the West African Yoruba language."

updated Apr 20, 2011
posted by manutd

**
b) "I suppose that you are talking about a brasilean music. It's pronounced "Aché" is Spanish but is written "Axé" in portuguese.

Please, look at this place*."
updated Dec 26, 2009
posted by Carlos-F
-snip-
*That commenter gives the link to the Wikipedia page for Axe music that is given after Excerpt #4.

****
ADDENDUM- COMMENTS FROM THE 2020 PANCOCOJAMS POST' DISCUSSION THREAD

Thank you very much for sharing!! I feel very related to this! I'm a Latina from Venezuela! And we Latinos from the Caribean and other Countries have a lot of African influence!! And we Love it! Most of our salsa songs have the word ache! We sing to chango, yemaya and so on! It is beautiful! It feels like home 🤗 Thank you 💖

ReplyDelete
Replies
  1. Your welcome,Keyla.

    I know so very little about Salsa. .

    I didn't know that the word "ache" was in most salsa songs.
    I also didn't know that people in Venezula sung to the orishas.

    There's so much that I don't know. :o(

    Best wishes. from your sister in the United States.

    Delete
****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are w
elcome.

Sunday, February 28, 2021

More Information About The Yoruba (Nigeria) Word Àṣẹ" And Its Equivalent Terms Aché, Axé, and Ashe

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post provides some information and comments about the Yoruba (Nigeria) word Àṣẹ" and its Spanish spelling "Aché," its Portugese spelling "Axé", or its English spelling "Ashe".  

An explanation for the related term "orisha" and explanations for several other related terms are also included in this post. 

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
For two previous pancocojams posts on this subjec, click 
https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-yoruba-word-ase-ache-axe-ashe.html "What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means" 
and https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html "Videos That Include The Yoruba Word "Ase" (also given as Aché, Axé, Ashe)" .

****
WHAT THESE WORDS MEAN 
Excerpt #1
From 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha
'In the native religion of the Yoruba people, Orisha (spelled òrìṣà in the Yoruba language, orichá in Cuban practice and orixá in Brazilian practice of Latin America) are spirits sent by Olodumare[1] for the guidance of all creation and of humanity in particular, on how to live and be successful on Àiyé (Earth). Most Òrìṣà are said to have previously existed in the spirit world (òrún) as Irúnmọlẹ̀, and then become incarnated as human beings here on Earth. Others are said to be humans who are recognised as deities upon their death due to extraordinary feats accomplished in life.[2]

Many Òrìṣà have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha, Umbanda, and Oyotunji, among others. The concept of orisha is similar to those of deities in the traditional religions of the Bini people of Edo State in southern Nigeria, the Ewe people of Benin, Ghana, and Togo, and the Fon people of Benin.[2][3]

[….]

Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe"...
-snip-
The bold font or the italic font was given that way on that Wikipedia page.

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.reddit.com/r/capoeira/comments/4gjjrf/what_does_ax%C3%A9ach%C3%A9_mean/ Posted byu/Chaos_Archangel, 2016
1. "What does axé(aché) mean?

In my class, I was taught that aché (which usually accompanied a handslap + fist-bump greeting) meant "love and respect" or "one love."

But something nagged at me today to go look up the official meaning of the word... and I couldn't really find one until I came across this:

"The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi. In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting. Some references to axé in capoeira songs... Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia. There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão. - See more at: http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/#sthash.ahgnZmxv.dpuf "

 

Is this the true meaning of the word? What does it mean, then, when you say axé to someone as a greeting?

**
2. 
flamelisk, 2016
"The spirit or the energy of the roda is how we look at it, if a roda has no axé then there's no point of doing a roda. Similarly someone can have a good axé meaning their energy output is good and they are a positive contribution to the roda/class/event"
-snip-
Here's information about the Portuguese word "roda" from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roda_(formation)
"Roda (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈʁɔdɐ]), meaning "wheel" or, more appropriately in this case, "circle" in Portuguese, is the circular formation within which participants perform in any of several Afro-Brazilian dance art forms, such as capoeira, maculelê and samba de roda. By extension, the whole event may be called a roda (as in "We will have a roda next Saturday"). Likewise, sometimes a roda may not take the shape of a circle; it may be, for example, a half-circle if the event is a public performance, in order for the public to be able to see the performers easily."...

**
3. morto00x, 2016
"The term is used very loosely, but the Yoruba definition that your wrote is correct.

Axé is used to describe energy or good vibes coming from living beings or the Orixás (African gods). When you greet someone with the word axé, you are wishing them good fortune. When someone says the roda has lots of axé, it means that people were happy, music was good, games where intense, etc.

 

Funny enough, I haven't heard many capoeiristas use the word axé (except for songs or M Barrão's group) for many years."
-snip-
These numbers don't correspond to the number of comments in that discussion thread.
WARNING: This page includes one curse word.

****
Excerpt #3
From https://asheselah.wordpress.com/about/whats-an-asheselah/
..."Ashe ( ah-SHAY, also Ase) – A Yoruba word meaning power, command, and authority. The ability to make whatever one says happen. Often summarized as “so be it”, “so it is”, or “it definitely shall be so”.”…

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM TWO YOUTUBE DISCUSSION THREADS
These comments are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

Discussion thread #1 
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZMiyfTYFs&ab_channel=ProhustlersHaywood "Songs of the Orisha's Mixed By Dj Prohustlers", Sep 11, 2016

1. FLAWDA NAPPY HEAD, 2017
"Ase' to my baba and YeYe! Alafia...."
-snip-
Here's some information about the word "baba" and "yeye" from https://www.zikoko.com/life/oldies/8-yoruba-words-mean-thing-edo/ 8 Yoruba Words That Mean The Same Thing in Edo", Ronke Otega, June 7, 2017:
" "Baba" It means “Father” in both Yoruba and Edo."

"The Yoruba might use “Yeye” more but the words mean the same thing in Yoruba and Edo; “Mother”."
-snip-
"Yoruba" and "Edo" are traditional Nigerian languages.
-snip-
Here's some information about the word "Alafia" from
https://www.facebook.com/575706419187357/photos/pb.575706419187357.-2207520000.1468493353./1067659546658706/?type=3 IFA: Òrìṣa Scientific Spirituality, July 12, 2016 ·
"For many, the Yoruba term "alafia" (also spelled alaafia) is used to mean "inner-peace" and said as a greeting like the use of the Kemetic word "hotep" and the Arabic word "salaam."

In the past ten years, there has been much controversy about the term alafia and whether or not it is truly Yoruba or derived from Arabic.

It is noted that the Yoruba word alafia shares its meaning with the Hausa (Northern Nigerians) word "lafiya" which means good health. They derived the word from Arabic's al-afiyah which means "the good health." When said as "zaman lafiya" in Hausa, it comes to mean innerpeace."...
-snip-
Click 
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/02/excerpts-from-online-articles.html for more information about the word "Alafia".

**
2. 
Elemental Wisdom 72, 2018
"
Ase! Maferefun Ellegua/Eshu!"
-snip-
Here’s information about the word “Maferefun” from https://www.afrocubaweb.com/ccsmaferefun.htm
… [the word [Maferefún] "is Yorubá and has many meanings -- it is a greeting, it confers a blessing, it invokes the power of the spirit world)"...
-snip-
From 
https://www.facebook.com/ThirdEyeSpiritualConnection/posts/maferefun-obatala-maferefun-means-go-and-pray-to-since-it-is-a-word-that-is-adde/104918137864804/
"
Maferefun means go and Pray to ..., since it is a word that is added to the beginning of mentioning the name of the saint, this word has the power to give blessings, that is, Maferefun is an exclamation of praise to the saint and he has the power to grant us blessings."

**
3. line de oliveira costa, 2018
"
axé salve todos meus orixás"
-snip-
From Portuguese to English: “Axé, greetings all of my orishas.”
-snip-
Google translate incorrectly translates the word “salve” as “save”.

Here's a source for the correct Portuguese to English translation of the word "salve":
From 
https://rioandlearn.com/what-does-salve-mean-in-portuguese/ “What does Salve mean in Portuguese”
…”The expression Salve is used as a synonym to greetings such as Olá and Oi in Portuguese”

**
4. A BuTTeRfLy, 2018
"When you start swaying and tears start falling instantly...Ase' 😇🙏💗"

**
5. 
pat thompson, 2018
"yes this is my ancestral music i bow  to my ancestors asche"

**
6. 
Forbidden King, 2019
"
Asé iyin fun Orisha
-snip-
Google translate from Yoruba to English: "Asé praise to Orisha"

**
7. 
Frank X, 2019
"I love all  the Orishas deeply here and in the next life, ase eternally."

**
Reply
8. LUZ DIVINA YEMAYA, 2020
"
Ashe"

**
9. 
Practical Fitness, 2019
"
Asè 📿 to my Yeye. Orishas help her Transition with peace and completion of her task. Always in my heart 💜 the song of my soul. #VME"

**
Reply
10. Brianna Salter, 2020
"🙌🏾 asé"

**
11. 
Vera Allen, 2020
"
Ase thank you for this wonderful & beautiful music it's cleansing my spirit & healing my soul. My the ancestors continue to bless you.🎶💞🎶💓👑👑🌹🌹🌹"

**
12. 
Ahmad Melvin, 2020
"
💛💛🧡❤️Blessings to All Ase Ase Ase 🙌🌐📿🤍💚💙💜"

**
13. 
Shon G, 2021
"Gratitude for all those who came before us and paved the way. Your guidance and protection are greatly appreciated, Ase’

**
14. 
Amdh Walenda, 2021
"ASÈ to all💖💕🗽"

**
15. 
Victor Oluwatobi, 2021
"
Thank you for doing this for the love of the ancients, homage to the Orishas. Music is not music if it doesn't pay homage to it's root. Asé"

**
16. 
ishaw, 2021
"
Ase remember the ancestors always a call away 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿"

**
17. 
Peedi Green Yaddaimean, 2021
"
Blessings of our Ancestors,and doi Orishas be upon you all.......ASE'"

****
Discussion thread #2
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5pnjTY0GXI&ab_channel=Yor%C3%B9b%C3%A1LessonswithAd%C3%A9r%C3%B3nk%C3%A9%CC%A9  Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩,  Jul 5, 2019

1. Romiah Armstrong, 2019
"Thank You for this video. With me newly being free from the programming of christianity, I simply replaced "Amen" with Ase. I was using it in the terms of "So will it be"."

**
2. claude reed, 2019
"thanks for the explanation. there maybe another confusion what are the tonal usage with asheh and the difference between ashay and asheh. some i fear don't know the difference."

**
Reply
3. Asabi Fatosin, 2019
"claude reed the diacritical marks give the correct pronunciation."

**
Reply
4. Trevor Prime, 2019
"Please explain what you mean?"

**
Reply
5. Beats Boy, 2019
"Ashay isn't a thing, it's a mispronunciation. It is pronounced 'Asheh'."

**
Reply
6. Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩, 2019
"Like Beats Boy mentioned earlier, those are incorrect ways of pronouncing 'às̩e̩'. 😃 Everyone who pronounces the word incorrectly is trying their best, at least. God bless everyone. ❤"

*️*
7. 
Lilli L'amour, 2020
"Àse has been said in the US especially by the conscious community since the 60s. I'm glad to know from this video it's been used in the right text."
-snip-
"the 60s"= 1960s

****
Discussion thread #3 [added March 4, 2021]
The Gurunsi Origin Of Tap
Black Angel Media, May 2, 2018

Xeper and Remanifest Think Tank of the esoteric, 2018
"taping the algorithms into the earth! Ase'!"
-snip-
"Gurunsi" are an ethnic group in Ghana, West Africa and in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.


Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Daymé Arocena - "La Rumba Me Llamo Yo" (English translation & Some Lyric Explanations)



HavanaCultura, Published on Apr 19, 2017
-snip-
Statistics for this video as of Feb. 24, 2021 at 9:03 AM ET
Total number of views - 2,291,835
Total number of likes - 46K
Total number of dislikes - 413
Total number of comments- 702

****
Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases the official YouTube video "La Rumba Me Llamo Yo" as performed by Cuban singer Daymé Arocena

This post presents an English translation for this song which is sung in Spanish. Some explanations in English for some of these lyrics are also included in this post.  

This content is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owner.

Thanks to Daymé Arocena for her musical legacy. Thanks to the producer of this video and all those who are featured in this video and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/06/cuban-singer-dayme-arocena-la-rumba-me.html for the June 2019 pancocojams post entitled "Cuban Singer Daymé Arocena - "La Rumba Me Llamo Yo" (video & comments)." That post includes biographical information about Daymé Arocena that is found in the summary of that video and selected comments from that YouTube video's  discussion thread.

****
ENGLISH TRANSLATION FOR LYRICS FOR "LA RUMBA ME LLAMO YO" ("THE RUMBA IS MY NAME"]

[Scat singing]

My mother says that black is gifted
That he approaches me for shadow
And that he does not love my side
That I am a daughter of luck
That mine is natural
That I do not share my glory
Pa that don't love me wrong


My mother says, your ocha is not babalawo
But if you were a man, drummer you were consecrated
Moyugba Eggun, who does not let you fall
That goes to war with you so that I can win


Says my mother will be fine and thin
But the conga With you, Dancing you pal bembe
That gives you laughter, and a tumbao that tumbles
And that is why the dead are going to pull you to the rumba


[Scatting]


I'm Iya, I'm Bongo, the rumba is my name
The rumba is my name, the rumba is my name I
am Iya, I am Bongo, the rumba is my name

 

[Scatting] (x5)


I'm Iya, I'm Bongo, the rumba is my name… (x5)

Imborooooo

What do you want 'to be given?
Rumba, come come,
what do you want to do?

What do you want them to give you?
Rumba, come come,
what do you want 'to be given?
Rumba, come come

(Tell me what you want them to give you?)

What do you want them to give you?
Rumba, come come…

[Scatting]

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=https://genius.com/Dayme-arocena-la-rumba-me-llamo-yo-lyrics&prev=search&pto=aue

Click https://genius.com/Dayme-arocena-la-rumba-me-llamo-yo-lyrics for the original Spanish lyrics for this song. 

****
EXPLANATIONS FOR SOME OF THE LYRICS IN THIS SONG
OCHA
From https://silirecio.com/blog/what-have-i-done-and-other-answers-to-your-questions#:~:text=Here's%20what%20it%20means%3A,during%20a%20seven%2Dday%20ceremony.
…“Ocha = Ocha (Kariocha, making Santo): The initiation of a new priest or priestess where his/her tutelary Orisha is put on his/her head (crown) during a seven-day ceremony. The newly initiated priest/priestess then enters their Iyaworaje, their year and 7 days of purification, rejuvenation, transformation and learning.
-snip-
Here's information about the word "orisha" from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha
"In the native religion of the Yoruba people, Orisha (spelled òrìṣà in the Yoruba language, orichá in Cuban practice and orixá in Brazilian practice of Latin America) are spirits sent by Olodumare[1] for the guidance of all creation and of humanity in particular, on how to live and be successful on Àiyé (Earth). Most Òrìṣà are said to have previously existed in the spirit world (òrún) as Irúnmọlẹ̀, and then become incarnated as human beings here on Earth. Others are said to be humans who are recognised as deities upon their death due to extraordinary feats accomplished in life.[2]

Many Òrìṣà have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha, Umbanda, and Oyotunji, among others. The concept of orisha is similar to those of deities in the traditional religions of the Bini people of Edo State in southern Nigeria, the Ewe people of Benin, Ghana, and Togo, and the Fon people of Benin.[2][3]”…

****
BABALAWO
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babalawo#:~:text=Babaal%C3%A1wo%20or%20Babalawo%20(Babalao%20or,priest%20of%20the%20If%C3%A1%20oracle.
"Babaaláwo or Babalawo (Babalao or Babalaô in West Africa; literally meaning 'father of the mysteries' in the Yoruba language) is a spiritual title that denotes a priest of the Ifá oracle. Ifá is a divination system that represents the teachings of the Òrìṣà Ọrunmila, the Òrìṣà of Wisdom, who in turn serves as the oracular representative of Olodumare. A Babalawo's female counterpart is known as an or Ìyánífá

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MO'JUBA (given as "Moyugba Eggun" in that song)

from https://sites.google.com/site/theyorubareligiousconcepts/suyere-prayers/mo-juba-iba
..."The Mo'juba is a ancestral prayer that santeros/as use to called the spirit, material and ancestral spirit into being . This allows the Ase ( spoken power) to manifest into the material world as a guide and tool for any given ceremony. The main thing about the Mojuba is that it come from the heart of the person speaking it"...

[,,,]

Mojuba eggun-gun ile e eleri e mi ( Reverence to the spirits of my house and of my head)”…

****
EGGUN 
From https://sites.google.com/site/theyorubareligiousconcepts/egungun-the-ancestors
…"Egun are the spirits of departed ancestors, whether related by blood or by religious lineage. Honoring one's ancestors can be viewed in simple or in complex, metaphysical terms, which we will examine here.

When an individual is born, her soul incarnates, that is, takes on a physical body. This soul comes from a constellation of energy that continuously incarnates within a family line. This is a very broad concept, because all family lines eventually return to one people. However, it is commonly believed that familiar energies tend to stay together, which is why we bear the traits of our recent ancestors. While the soul is here, it gathers wisdom and knowledge through its experiences on this plane. When the individual dies, the spirit dis-incarnates and returns to that constellation of energies, the cull of souls, if you will, to await reincarnation.”…

****
IYA
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iya_Nla
"Ìyá Nlá is the primordial spirit of all creation in Yoruba cosmology. She is believed to be the source of all existence. Iya Nla literally means “Great Mother” in the Yoruba language (Ìyá: Mother; Nlá: Big or Great).”...

In The Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Spectacle: Art, Gender, and Social Harmony in an African Culture, art historian Babatunde Lawal reveals that Ìyá Nlá in Yoruba cosmology is the orisha who is the “Mother of All Things, including the deities.”[1] Lawal also asserts that the female principle in nature has been personified as Ìyá Nlá (The Great Mother), whereby human beings can relate to one another as children of the same mother.”[2] Teresa N. Washington’s Our Mothers, Our Powers, Our Texts: Manifestations of Àjẹ́ in Africana Literature, states that Ìyá Nlá — the Mother of All, who is also known as Yewájọbí, Odù, Odùduwà, and Àjẹ́ — is not merely an orisha; Ìyá Nlá is the primordial force of all creation.[3]"

****
I'm not sure what the word "Bongo" means in this song. Since "Iya" means "Mother of  all", my guess is that in the context of the line "I'm Iya, I'm Bongo, the rumba is my name", "Bongo" means Father of all".

****
I don't know what "Imboro" means in this song.

Additions and corrections are very welcome.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Monday, April 20, 2020

Information About & Videos Of The Orishas Yemaya & Oshun

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post provides some information about the orishas (orisas) Yemaya & Oshun (Osun).

Some YouTube videos of these orishas are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for cultural and religious purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Maferefún orishas.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos.
-snip-
*Here's a definition for the word "maferefún" from a 1997 announcement about a Cuban cultural performance http://www.afrocubaweb.com/ccsmaferefun.htm
"Maferefún Cuba (the word is Yorubá and has many meanings -- it is a greeting, it confers a blessing, it invokes the power of the spirit world) is a multi-media exhibit of Cuban art that uses the symbols and practices of African-based religions as part of its aesthetic. Afro-Cuban culture draws on a wide variety of traditions like the Lucumí of Yoruba origin (often referred to as Santería in the U.S.), the Bantú of Congolese origin, the Abakuá from the Calabar region of West Africa and the Dahomey-based tradition of the Arará. It represents one of the richest manifestations of African traditions in contemporary Latin society and its influence reaches well beyond the borders of Cuba to the rest of the Americas, especially New York."

****
I was motivated to publish this pancocojams post after watching Nigerian singer Davido's video "1 Milli". That video features elements of traditional Yoruba orisha/Afro-Brazilian culture.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/04/youtube-discussion-thread-comments.html for Part II of a pancocojams series about Davido's "1 Milli" song/video. That pancocojams post is entitled "YouTube Discussion Thread Comments About Orishas & Afro-Brazilians Influences In The Official Video Of Nigerian Singer Davido's Song "1 Milli" ".

I think that the orisha Oya is also featured in the official video for Davido's song "1 Milli". A pancocojams post on the Orisha Oya will also be published ASAP and the link to that post will be included here.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT YEMAYA
From http://www.thaliatook.com/AMGG/yemaya.php
"Yemaya is the Yorùbá Orisha or Goddess of the living Ocean, considered the mother of all. She is the source of all the waters, including the rivers of western Africa, especially the River Ogun. Her name is a contraction of Yey Omo Eja, which means "Mother Whose Children are the Fish." As all life is thought to have begun in the sea, all life is held to have begun with Yemaya. She is motherly and strongly protective, and cares deeply for all Her children, comforting them and cleansing them of sorrow. She is said to be able to cure infertility in women, and cowrie shells represent Her wealth. She does not easily lose Her temper, but when angered She can be quite destructive and violent, as the sea in a storm.

Yemaya was brought to the New World with the African diaspora and She is now worshipped in many cultures besides Her original Africa. In Brazilian Candomblé, where She is known as Yemanja or Imanje, She is the Sea Mother who brings fish to the fishermen, and the crescent moon is Her sign. As Yemanja Afodo, also of Brazil, She protects boats travelling on the sea and grants safe passage.

In Haitian Vodou She is worshipped as a moon Goddess, and is believed to protect mothers and their children. She is associated with the mermaid-spirits of Lasirenn (Herself a form of Erzulie) Who brings seduction and wealth, and Labalenn, Her sister the whale.

Yemaya rules over the surface of the ocean, where life is concentrated. She is associated with the Orisha Olokin (Who is variously described as female, male, or hermaphrodite) Who represents the depths of the Ocean and the unconscious, and together They form a balance. She is the sister and wife of Aganju, the God of the soil, and the mother of Oya, Goddess of the winds.

Our Lady of Regla in Brazil may be linked to Her, and She is equated elsewhere in the Americas with the Virgin Mary as the Great Mother. In parts of Brazil She is honored as the ocean Goddess at the summer solstice, while in the north east of the country Her festival is held on February 2nd (a day that is also associated with Her daughter Oya, as well as being the feast day of the Celtic Bride), with offerings of blue and white flowers cast into the Sea.

Yemaya's colors are blue and white, and She is said to wear a dress with seven skirts that represent the seven seas. Sacred to Her are peacocks, with their beautiful blue-green iridescence, and ducks. The number seven is Hers, also for the seven seas.

Alternate spellings: Yemanja, Yemojá, Yemonja, Yemalla, Yemana, Ymoja, Iamanje, Iemonja, Imanje"...

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF YEMANJA
Video #1: Festa de Yemanjá 2011



Alessandra Fratus, Feb 5, 2011

Festa de Yemanjá 2011. Rio Vermelho. Salvador, BA. Brasil. Odoyá!

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Video #2: Honoring the Sea 2011: Offering to Mother Ocean



TheSambaYogi, Oct 11, 2011

Offering to Yemanja, the Afro-Brazilian deity of the Sea, at Santa Monica Beach, led by Swing Brazil Tribe and elders from Bahia, Brazil. Part of Honoring the Sea, the opening ceremony to the 2011 World Festival of Sacred Music in Los Angeles. In Brazil, offerings to Yemanja take place each year on February 2 in Salvador, Bahia. In Rio de Janeiro, offerings to Yemanja are a highly celebrated New Year ritual.

****
Video #3: Yemanja Festival



Richard Hunt, Nov 1, 2012

This is a clip from the film 'Slave to the Rhythm' soon to be released on Blu-ray disc with full Surround Sound.

****
Video #4: Niñas bailando Yemaya en Cuba



Anier Sanchez Sandoval, Sep 11, 2017

Niñas bailando la orisha Yemaya en San Miguel Del Padrón, La Habana, Cuba.

Compañia: Estrellitas Bailan
-snip-
Google translate: Girls dancing the orisha Yemaya in San Miguel Del Padrón, Havana, Cuba.

Company (name) - Little Stars Dancers

****
Video #5: RAICES PROFUNDAS Rare Performance! YEMAYA (HD)



Cali2 Cuba, Oct 10, 2017

CALI2CUBA brings you a rat performance with Cuba's top dance company Raices Profundas! Live in Juan Bencomo's house in Jesus Maria, La Habana

****
INFORMATION ABOUT OSUN (OSHUN)
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshun#Ceremonies_and_Ritual_Colors
"Oshun (known as Ochún or Oxúm in Latin America) also spelled Ọṣun, is an orisha, a spirit, a deity, or a goddess that reflects one of the manifestations of the Yorùbá Supreme Being in the Ifá oral literature and Yoruba-based religions. She is one of the most popular and venerated orishas. Oshun is an important river deity among the Yorùbá people, divine feminine, fertility, beauty and love.[1][2] She is connected to destiny and divination.[3]

During the life of the mortal Oshun, she served as queen consort to King Shango of Oyo. Following her posthumous deification, she was admitted to the Yoruba pantheon as an aspect of a primordial divinity of the same name.

She is the patron saint of the Osun River in Nigeria, which bears her name. The river has its source in Ekiti State, in the west of Nigeria, and passes through the city of Oshogbo, where Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, the principal sanctuary of the deity, is located.[1] Oshun is honored at the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a two-week-long annual festival that usually takes place in August, at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove on the banks of the river.[4][5]

Oshun is syncretized with Our Lady of Charity, patron saint of Cuba, and Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. In Trinidad she is associated with St. Philomena and the Hindu deity Ganga Mai or Mother Ganges.[6][7][8]

[...]

She is associated with the colours gold/deep yellow in most of the diaspora and in Nigeria, white, yellow and green. In Trinidad, she is associated with the colour pink.[11]"...

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF OSHUN
Video #1: Oshun Dancing, Havana, Cuba



eguinkolade, Mar 18, 2009

Performance of Dance of Oshun, Havana, Casa de Africa, 1992, by David H. Brown, (c) Folkcuba 2007. Complete film including dances of Elegua, Ogun, Oya, Shango, and Babalu Aye, as well as Oshun, available from Folkcuba.com's music store.

****
Video #2: Ochun, Santeria



Anibal Lopez, Jan 11, 2014

Regla, Havana, Cuba

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Video #3: Osun Oshogbo Festival 2016




Yorubaxtra, •Nov 14, 2016

Watch and enjoy the best of African Cultural Festival "Osun Oshogbo" .

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Video #4: Oshun



qince15, Sep 13, 2018

At the Gran Palenque, Havana.

****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Monday, March 2, 2020

Videos That Include The Yoruba Word "Ase" (also given as Aché, Axé, Ashe)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-yoruba-word-ase-ache-axe-ashe.html for Part I of this series. Part I presents several excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Às̩e̩ | What Does 'Ase' Mean? | The Physical and Spiritual Aspects



Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩, Jul 5, 2019
-snip-
This video is given with captions. However, some of the captions are incorrect. For example, the Yoruba word “Às̩e̩” is incorrectly given as “a shake” or “share”. Those captions sometimes also uses the word “ashay” for “Às̩e̩” and that’s a closer transcription of that word.

Here's one comment exchange from that video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)

1. claude reed, 2019
"thanks for the explanation. there maybe another confusion what are the tonal usage with asheh and the difference between ashay and asheh. some i fear don't know the difference."

**
REPLY
2. Asabi Fatosin, 2019
"claude reed the diacritical marks give the correct pronunciation."

**
REPLY
3. Beats Boy,2019
"Ashay isn't a thing, it's a mispronunciation. It is pronounced 'Asheh'."

**
REPLY
4. Yorùbá Lessons with Adérónké̩
"Like Beats Boy mentioned earlier, those are incorrect ways of pronouncing 'às̩e̩'. 😃 Everyone who pronounces the word incorrectly is trying their best, at least. God bless everyone. ❤️"

**
5. yaya centella, 2019
"thank you very much for sharing this with the world. many blessings and blessings of peace on earth. ase"
-snip-
Ase" (or "Axé'", "ashe") written at the end of a sentence, or the only word in a sentence is similar to or the same as the English use of the word "Amen" and/or the English saying "So be it" or "More power to you".

****
Video #2: Àdúrà àti Gbólóhùn Àṣẹ. Oração vinculado com ọfọ̀.



Ayokunle Omisakin Obalúfè, Apr 2, 2019

"Osun Itaguaí Festival", Rio de Janeiro 2019
-snip-
This video is an example of the call & response use of “Axé” (people saying "Axé" as the response to a “call” [other words].

Here's a comment from that video's discussion thread:
Fabio Sousa, 2019
"Axé!"

****
Video #3: Nana Malaya - "Funga Alafia"



The Kennedy Center, Oct 9, 2013

The Millennium Stage partners with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to present some of the best D.C. area street performers in a MetroPerforms! Showcase.

The Millennium Stage is a FREE performance series and part of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It features a broad spectrum of national and international performing arts companies, from dance and jazz, to chamber music and folk, comedy, storytelling and theater, every day of the year. Performances always begin at 6pm.
-snip-
Here are some comments from that video's discussion thread (including two comments that I wrote)

1. Azizi Powell, 2016
"Alafia, Nana Malaya!

I'm glad that I happened upon this video of your and your drummers' performance of "Funga Alafia".

I'm proud to know you.

Here's some information about this multifaceted dancer, choreographer, speaker, teacher, and entrepreneur:

Nana Malaya is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of her children is movie and television actor Lamman Rucker.

The poem "I Am the Original Dance Machine" (3:20 in this video) was written by New York City dancer/choreographer Bob Johnson, who also lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and in 1969/1970 was the founder of the Pittsburgh Black Theater Dance Ensemble. Nana Malaya was a member of this esteemed dance company.

Ase, Nana Malaya!"

**
2. Stephan and Ashae Lyles, 2017
"My name... Same pronunciation but different spelling Ashae💙💜💚💛"
-snip-
Nigerians don't use "Ase" as a name. That said, this variant spelling of that word is a powerful name that Ashae Lyles (or anyone else with that name) can be proud of.

**
3. okallixti, 2017
"what's the origin of this song? is it in Yoruba? thank you"

**
REPLY
4. Angie, 2018
"okallixti Nigerian origin."

**
REPLY
5. Azizi Powell, 2020
"@Angie & @okallixti, The song that is known as "Funga Alafia" isn't a Nigerian song. Here's some basic information about the song "Funga Alafia":
1. The song "Funga Alafia" was composed by African American drummer and dancer LaRocque Bey in Harlem (New York City) in 1959 or 1960.

2. The word "funga" is a folk processed form of the Vai (Liberia, West Africa) word "fanga".

3. The words "alafia" and "ashe" are from the Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) language.

4. The tune for the song "Funga Alafia" is from the American folk song "Little Liza Jane".

Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNIe_D79xs for a sound file of Nina Simone singing "Little Liza Jane"

Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-real-origin-of-song-funga-alafia.html "The REAL Origin Of The Song "Funga Alafia" - Hint It Isn't A Liberian Song, Or A Nigerian Song, Or A Traditional African Song" for more information about this song.

****
This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

What The Yoruba Word "Àṣẹ" (Aché, Axé, Ashe) REALLY Means

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series about the Yoruba (Nigerian) word "Àṣẹ" (also given as "aché", "axé", or "ashe").

Part I presents several excerpts about the word "Àṣẹ".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/03/videos-that-include-yoruba-word-ase.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. Part II presents several YouTube videos that include the Yoruba word "Àṣẹ".

The content of this post is provided for cultural and linguistic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORD "ÀSE" (ALSO GIVEN AS ACHE, AXE, AND ASHE)

(These excerpts are given in no particular order.)

Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orisha#Ashe
"Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. It is described as the power to make things happen. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà.[6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors.[7]

The concept is regularly referenced in Brazilian capoeira. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude.[1]"

****
Excerpt #2
From https://www.orishaimage.com/blog-gallery/ashe
" "Ashe" is a very central word and concept for Orisha-worship. On the one hand it is used often at the end of prayers. It means "may our prayers become reality, may we receive the blessing by the Orisha, short: may it manifest!"

On the other hand "Ashe" more generally also stands for the eternal energy that fills the cosmos. It is the abstract power and principle of Olodumare, God. Calling for "Ashe" is calling for what lies beyond our human reality, that God’s will manifests on earth, where we live at the moment, and that we can experience Olodumare’s power.

It is written in the four main languages of Orisha-worship worldwide, from Nigeria to the diaspora of slavery and from there to the rest of the world: Yoruba, Spanish/Lukumi, Portuguese/Nago and English."

****
Excerpt #3
From https://science.jrank.org/pages/11051/Religion-African-Diaspora-Spiritual-Assets-Ase-Konesans.html
"Religion
African Diaspora Spiritual Assets: Ase And Konesans

Two central concepts in some African-derived religions are ase (or axe) and konesans (connaissance). Ase is the divine force, energy, and power incarnate in the world. Olodumare gives ase to everything, including inanimate objects. Ashe is the power behind all things in the universe. It enables people to find balance in life. The orishas are bearers of ashe. Santeros (Santerían priests) use ase to provide blessing and healing to devotees. "Ashe is a current or flow, a groove that initiates can channel so that it carries them along their road in life. The prayers, rhythms, offerings, taboos of Santería tune initiates into this flow" (Murphy, 1993, p. 131). In Santería, herbs are impregnated with ashe. The color of the Obatala conducts ashe. Part of the Vodun initiation ceremonies gives the priest intuitive knowledge, or konesans, enabling him to understand people, diagnose problems, and perform healing."...

****
Excerpt #4
From http://capoeira-connection.com/capoeira/2011/10/what-is-axe/
"What is axé?

[...]

The term axé (also spelled aché or ashé – all pronounced ah-SHEH) comes from the Yoruba peoples of Western Africa. It is the name they gave to the life force; the concept is similar to the Eastern idea of qi.

In capoeira today, axé has come to mean something like “energy.” If a roda has a lot of axé, it means it has good vibes, powerful energy. Some groups use the word as a greeting.

Some references to axé in capoeira songs:
Axé, axé / Capoeira tem muito axé
Axé, axé / Capoeira has lots of axé

Dos velhos Mestres que viveram na Bahia,
Manda todo o seu axé e também sua magia
Bahia manda seu axé pra mim

From the old Mestres who lived in Bahia,
Send all your axé and also your magic
Bahia send your axé to me

Axé also refers to a style of popular music (not related to capoeira) that originated in Salvador, Bahia.

There is also a capoeira group called Axé Capoeira that was founded by Mestre Barrão."
-snip-
Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ax%C3%A9_(music) for information about the genre of Brazilian music called "Axé".

****
Excerpt #5
From http://capoeiraucainla.com/home-capoeira-losangeles/2010/12/13/capoeira-wiki-word-of-the-week-axe-updated.html
Excerpts from the website CANDOMBLE - Uma Religião sem Mistérios a Serviço do Povo.

Translated by yours truly Guatambu (any improvements to the translation contact me)
"O Axé

A magical energy, the universal sacred of the orixá. A powerful energy that is always neutral. Manipulated and directed by men through the orixás and their symbols and/or elements. "

The most precious of Ilê*, axé is the force that ensures dynamic existence.It is transmitted, should be maintained and developed, as all forces may increase or decrease; and this variation is related to the activity and conduct of the ritual.The conduct is determined by the scrupulous observance of the duties and obligations of each holder of axé, yourself, orixá, and Ilê.The development of individual and group axé affects the axé of the Ilê.

* - Ilê requires its own definition here. Ilê is basically synonymous with terreiro. A terreiro is a temple or house of candomblê. Think of it like you would your local church, synagogue, mosque, or buddhist temple. Each of these types of houses of worship have their unique characteristics in terms of symbols, architecture, look, and feel, and the same is true for a terreiro. - Guatambu

"The axé is connected to the initiated, and directly proportional to its ritual conduct - the relationship with his deity, his community, his duties and his babalorixá (priest of candomblé)."

The strength of the axé is contained and transmitted by certain elements and material substances, is transmitted to humans and objects, maintaining and renewing the powers of accomplishment.The axé is contained in a variety of representative elements of the kingdoms: animal, vegetable and mineral, water (fresh and salt), earth, and forest (untamed vegetation or urban space).It is contained in the natural and essential substances of each being whether simple or complex, living or dead, that make up the universe.

There are places, sounds, objects and body parts (especially animal) impregnated with axé. For example, the heart, liver, lungs, gizzard, kidney, feet, hands, tail, bones, teeth, ivory, genitals, roots, leaves , river water, sea, rain, lake, pool, waterfall, orô (prayer), Adja (sort of bell), illus (drums) ...

Every ritual act and offering involves the transmission and revitalization of axé.To be truly active, these ritual acts and offerings must come from the combination of those elements that allow for a specific result or achievement. To receive axé means to incorporate the symbolic elements that represent the vital and essential principles of all that exists.

Xerife pointed out Mestre Acordeon's song "Pedir o Axé", and added the lyrics with translation below...

Vamos pedir o axé

(Lets ask Axé)

Pressa roda começar

(So this round can begin)

De conforme os fundamentos

(Within the fundations)

Capoeira e candomblé

(Capoeira and candomblé)

Axé Babá

(Axé Babá)

Oh ie viva Meu Deus! AXÉ BABÁ

(Oh yea viva my god! Axé Babá)

Oh Ie viva Seu Bimba! MEU CAMARÁ

(Oh yea viva my Bimba! My friend)

Oh ie é mestre meu! SEMPRE SERÁ

(Oh yea you are my master! ALWAYS WILL BE)

Oh ie volta do mundo! QUE O MUNDO DÁ

(Oh yeaa the world spins! That the world does)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai! MEU PAI XANGô

(Lets ask axé, my father! My father Xangô)

Vamos pedir o axé, minha mãe! IEMANJÁ

(Lets ask axé, my mother! IEMANJA)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu rei! REI OXALÁ

(Lets ask Axé, my king! KING OXALÁ)

Vamos pedir o axé, meu pai MEU PAI XANGÔ

(Lets ask Axé, my father MY FATHER XANGÔ)

Reparado added from Mestre Acordeon's book...

"Aché (Axé, Asé) is the magic force that moves all things in the universe according to the African religions in Brazil. It exists in all realms of nature and can be transmitted through specific rituals. Although Capoeira has no direct connection with religion, the capoeiristas, as the majority of Brazilians, are related one way or another with Afro-Brazilian rituals. Aché in Capoeira means the connection with the roots, a special energy to be developed by any capoeirista. To wish aché to someone means to wish good luck. For those who believe, some special people transmit aché through their wishes."

p.6 Almeida, Bira(Mestre Acordeon). Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1986. Print.

Espantalho added...

“At the heart of this Yoruba religion is the concept of àse, an individual’s personal spiritual power, which grows throughout life through a person’s diligent application to doing good deeds, coupled with appropriate and calm behavior and with service to the gods in the form of sacrifice. The reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essentially the giving of strength, the renewal of àse to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive worshipers with added ase. The rules of this loving support between humans and gods are all known to that father-of-all-knowledge, the babalawo”

~The Way of the Orisa by Philip Neimark p. XII

Babalawo is a priest of Yoruba religion.

“The orisa are energy that, for the most part, represent aspects of nature. Osun (pronounced O-SHUN) represents sweet waters, love, money, conception; Sango (pronounced Zhan-GO) represents thunder and lightning, strategy, and he is the warrior; Esu (pronounced A-shew), messenger to Oludumare (the single God), owner of roads and opportunities, owner of ase (spiritual energy)"...

****
Excerpt #6
From http://www.orishanet.org/vocab.html
"Lucumí Vocabulary

Lucumí or Lacumí is the Yoruba language as it is spoken in Cuba and the United States. Yoruba is a tonal language like Chinese. The accents serve to approximate the tones for those of us who aren't familiar with tonal language. Also, some of the difficult sounds like the african "p" sound which is pronounced as kind of a "kp" sound is approximated using "kp" or "cu". This vocabulary follows the Spanish orthography with a few exceptions to help English speakers:

The "ch" in Spanish is used simply because there is no "sh" in Spanish. We use "sh" here.

The "y" in Spanish often has an edge to it that approximates the English (and Yoruba) "j" sound. I have taken the liberty of using "j" here where applicable.

The "ñ" sound is used very sparingly here and is usually substituted here with "y".

As in Spanish, the accent is on the second to last syllable unless there is an accent mark over another syllable.

I should note here that Lacumí is an oral tradition and that the written versions were meant to be more "cheat sheets" than anything else and should not be used as "proof" of the decomposition of the language. Lakumí speakers in Matanzas and other areas speak very much as any Yoruba speaker would. I have spoken with Nigerian born Yoruba speakers in Lacumí without any difficulty whatsoever. In fact, on one occasion I was greeted with a very surprised "you speak Yoruba!!!" from the astonished Yoruba man I was speaking with.

Here are a few words in Lucumí to get you started:

[...]

Ashé: So Be It, The Spiritual Power of the Universe, Talent”...

****
Excerpt #7
From https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/39/ritmo-con-ach Ritmo Con Aché

[...]

a) "Aché does not mean ache. Ache is dolor, or achaques. The letter H is hache in Spanish. According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, of the Real Academia Española, aché is not a word in the Spanish language. However, looking up the song, if found a page on the song stating that aché is an african word that means a divine life force (in the santeria religion). Aché is a word in the West African Yoruba language."

updated Apr 20, 2011
posted by manutd

**
b) "I suppose that you are talking about a brasilean music. It's pronounced "Aché" is Spanish but is written "Axé" in portuguese.

Please, look at this place*."
updated Dec 26, 2009
posted by Carlos-F
-snip-
*That commenter gives the link to the Wikipedia page for Axe music that is given after Excerpt #4.

****
This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Olodumare And Obatala (Oxalá) & The Color White (information & videos)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post is Part III of an ongoing series that presents quotes from various online articles that provide information about the meanings of certain colors, designs, and objects in specific traditional African cultures.

The excerpts in this post provide some information about Olodumare and Obatala (Oxalá) and the color white in Yoruba traditional religion and in the Santeria and Condomble religions which it has influenced/influences.

Eight videos are also included in this post. These videos are from Nigeria, Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States.

Use pancocojams' internal search engine or click the "the meaning of colors in traditional African cultures" tag below to find other pancocojams posts on this subject.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

Thanks to the researchers who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

****
EXCERPTS ABOUT OLODUMARE AND OBATALA AND THE COLOR WHITE

Pancocojams Editor's Note:
With the exception of the Excerpts given as #1 and #2, these excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

I added italics to highlight statements in these excerpts about the color white.

EXCERPT #1
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoruba_religion
"The Yoruba religion comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practices of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in present-day Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, commonly known as Yorubaland. Yoruba religion is formed of diverse traditions. It has influenced a host of thriving traditions such as Santería, Umbanda, and Candomblé.[1] Yoruba religious beliefs are part of Itan, the total complex of songs, histories, stories, and other cultural concepts which make up the Yoruba society"...

****
EXCERPT #2
[Pancocojams Editor's Note: In this pdf file page numbers are given at the bottom of each page.

I corrected some obvious typographical errors in this quoted excerpt of this pdf file.]

From http://www.obafemio.com/uploads/5/1/4/2/5142021/04-1_162.pdf
AJT/4:l/90
"RITUALS, SYMBOLISM AND SYMBOLS IN YORUBA TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS THOUGHT
E. Dada Adelowo*

[...]

Ritual Sanctity
This has to do with the various taboo in connection with the administration of the various rituals and rites that constitute Yoruba traditional religion. This can also be called ritual holiness. The taboo are what the Yoruba call eewo, a ku see, ohun.

Each ritual has its taboo that should be avoided by the priest-king, Olofi dwon [woro, other priests, [woro or Abore, and the worshipers. For examples the priests and devotees of the god called Esu should avoid having any contact with palm nut oil (Yoruba: adi) in order not to incur the wrath of Esu. Moreover, the priests and devotees of the arch-divinity of Yoruba pantheon, Obatala, should avoid palmwine completely in order to maintain ritual sanctity with regard to the worship of Obatala. They should also promote anything white and avoid black items in order to keep the ritual sanctity in connection with the worship of the divinity. ·White is a symbol of purity, holiness and peace. So, priests and devotees of Obatala should, during ritual activities, present themselves as'pure and holy.

[page] 164

[...]

Let us start with the ritual in connection with the worship of God - Olodumare and gods - Orisa. There is a specific cult of Olodumare in Yorubaland. This may baffle those foreign arm-chair investigators who hold the thesis that Olodumare is not an object of worship in Yoruba religion. The point here is. because 016dumare cannot be confined into space (the Yoruba described Him as A-te-rere-K'aye - One who occupies the whole extent of the world); the ritualistic worship offered to Him takes place in the open and not in building like temples and mosques. The worshiper makes a circle of ashes (Yoruba: eeru) or white chalk (Yoruba: efun); within the circle, which is a symbol of eternity, he pours a libation of cold water, and in the centre he places his kolanut (Yoruba: obi on cotton wool- Yoruba: owu etUtu). He then takes the kolanut, splits it and holding the valves within the circle. Often, a white fowl (Yoruba: adiefunfun) is offered in the same way. In lle-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba, there is a priest-chief whose duty is to offer this ritual every morning in the name of the Doni and of all the people. However, it is unfortunate to note that the direct ritualistic worship of 0lodumare, as a regular aspect of cultic
activities in Yorubaland, is dying out. In some places, according to Bolaji Idowu, it is no longer known; in some, it has become the cult of women.

[...]

[page] 165

[...]

The Yoruba used wood and metal carvings, plants and animals as symbols of gods and ancestral spirits. Before we go further, iris important to note that, as said earlier, these symbols are not ends in themselves but means to certain ends. Thus those who are out to conduct a genuine research into the religious situation in Yorubaland should not take appearance for reality, means for an end, symbol for the symbolised and reality for shadow.

Divinities and ancestors are sure objects of worship and reverence among the Yoruba. However, it is to be noted that they are a means to get to Olodumare - God, the ultimate End of everything. The Yoruba 'have never made the mistake of putting God, Olodumare, on the same pedestal with the divinities (arisa) and the ancestors.

In their belief, 0lodumare is unique, incomparable. The. uniqueness of Olodumare is one reason why there are no images-graven or in drawing or in painting - of Him in Yorubaland. Symbols there are copious, but no images of Him. Symbols or images of deities or divinities abound in Yorubaland. Orisa'nla, the arch-divinity of Yoruba pantheon is usually pictured as an ancient figure in white and bedecked with white

[page] 168

ornaments. His temple, especially the inside, is washed white, his emblems are to be kept in white containers and consists, among other things, of white chalk and white beads. His priests and priestesses are robed in white and wear white ornaments.

Those who do not understand the religion of the Yoruba might think that the items are the things that matter here. This is patently wrong. The message here is that all those white items point to Orisa-'nla as presenting, to the Yoruba, the idea of ritual and ethical purity, and therefore the demands and sanctions of high moral pattern.

The white items are mere symbols symbolising purity, holiness, cleanliness on the part of the ritual leaders and the worshipers of Orisa- 'nla.”

[page] 169

[...]

Concluding Remarks
So far we have been able to give a broad survey of rituals, symbols and their implications in Yoruba traditional religion. It is seen in the paper that the idea of the supreme Being, called 0lodumare in Yoruba religion, is central in and crucial to Yoruba belief system. We have seen this rituals, symbolism and symbols have ultimate reference to Olodumare who is believed to be the Maker,the Creator, the Owner of Life.

It is also made clear in the paper that the Yoruba are not worshipers of woods, plants, animals and so on as erroneously conceived by some foreign researchers.

Rather, they employ those items to give some kind of concrete and objective reality to their religious dreams and aspirations. Thus all items in their religious thought, apart from the supreme Being, are a means to an end, the end itself being the supreme Being known as 0lodumare, Oluwa; Olorun, 0lofin drun, EImaa. Those who do riot know but are ready to learn and know should realise that in all things the Yoruba are religious. The focal point of their religious aspiration is God. It would be proper then for those who want to conduct a genuine research into the traditional religious thought of the Yoruba to avoid prejudice and preconceived notion and show extra caution, openness and sympathy by calling the Yoruba what they actually call themselves. There is no point pontificating on items that are alien to one. Such would lead one to commit academic fallacy that does not augur well for true scholarship.

[...]

[page] 171"

****
EXCERPT #3
http://santeriachurch.org/the-orishas/obatala/
Santeria Church of the Orishas Dedicated to the religion of Santería and worship of the Orishas
"Obatala

Obatalá (also spells Obbatala or Obatala) is the eldest of the orishas in Santeria and king of the religion in orun (heaven). He is also the father of many of the orishas and as such is given great respect and deference by the other orishas in matters of great importance. He also acts as the “referee” or judge when the orishas have quarrels, working to restore and preserve peace at all times. To reflect his place of importance in the Lukumí pantheon, Obatala’s shrine is always placed higher than any other orisha in the home. Obatala is the owner of all heads, because it is said that he molded the bodies of humans before Olodumare breathed life into them. As such, Obatala protects all people, and acts as a guardian for those who do not yet know who their guardian orisha is.

Obatala encourages us to be patient and to handle matters with calm and reason. His ashé (power) is perfectly embodied within his favorite color: white. He is always dressed in white and all of his offerings are white to reflect his spiritual purity and the coolness of his energy. White is our most sacred color in Santeria because it represents Obatala. When olorishas attend ceremonies we wear white clothing as holy vestments and to surround ourselves with Obatala’s protective energy. Iyawos (new initiates) in Santeria have to wear white clothing from head-to-toe for a year for the same reason: as a symbol of purity and as an energetic protection against osogbo.

Obatala along with Oshun, Yemaya and Changó is one of the four pillar orishas that every olorisha receives at his kariocha initiation. Obatala is unique in that half of his roads are female and half are male. In that sense Obatala transcends gender, further demonstrating his ability to act impartially in orun (heaven) and with the orishas. If there is ever a debate about who a person’s guardian orisha is, they can safely be initiated with Obatala as he is the owner of all heads. Obatala is often depicted as elderly, with a full head of white hair, dressed in white robes.

Symbols, Numbers, Colors and Attributes of Obatalá

Obatala’s eleke is always made with white beads. This unique Obatala eleke has mother-of-pearl and purple beads added for the road Oba Moro.

Number: 8

Sacred Place in Nature: hills, mountains or high places

Color: White

Tools: A horsetail fly-whisk (some roads use a sword or cane)

Temperament: Calm, reasonable, quiet (some roads, like Ayáguna are youthful and fiery)

Syncretized Catholic Saint: Our Lady of Mercy or Jesus Christ"...
-snip-
Click http://www.aboutsanteria.com/what-is-santeria.html for general information about Cuba's Santería (Lucumi) religion.

****
EXCERPT #4
From https://lukumipeople.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/the-orisha-who-do-you-most-identify-with/
The Orisha, Who Do You Most Identify With?
"In the Yoruba based religions, the Orisha are angelic emanations of The Creator (God Almighty) manifesting through nature. To put it simply, God created the universe and everything in it. God then manifested bits of himself creating lesser gods or guardian angels, governing over the various forces of nature. So yes, for every force of nature, there is a spiritual being governing it.

[...]

Obatala’s day is Sunday.
The day for settling differences. Useful for long-range planning and the perfect day for the preparation of amulets and charms for longevity and good health.

Obatala is the Father of the White Cloth, Peace, Calm. His domain is the Sky, Clouds, Mountaintop."...

****
EXCERPT #5
Santeria: The Beliefs and Rituals of a Growing Religion in America
https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0802849733
Miguel A. De La Torre - 2004 - ‎History
white dove is a symbol of Obatala, and for this reason he is petitioned for peace when his fellow orishas act cruelly toward humans. While Obatala has been revealed through several Catholic saints, he is best known as Our Lady of Ransom. (As mentioned earlier, crossing between genders is common among the orishas.”...

****
EXCERPT #6
From http://www.aboutsanteria.com/obatalaacute.html
"Obatalá, Owner of All Heads

Obatalá (Obbatalá) is called the creator of earth and the sculptor of mankind because he was given this job by his father Olodumare, the supreme God in the Lucumí pantheon....

Obatalá is the owner of all things that are white, as well as the human head and all of its thoughts and dreams. He also owns silver and white metals, and the ceiba tree. Obatalá likes cotton, cocoa butter, cascarilla (powder made of egg shells), marble eggs, and snails. As tribute, he likes merengues, white rice, white custard, rice pudding, black eyed peas, fruits with a grainy texture like pomegranates, pears and custard apples, roasted ñamé (sweet potato) and malanga (taro root). Obatalá's food can never be salted. He's an Oricha who came directly to earth from heaven as the son of God, specifically Olodumare and Olofi. He was sent to earth to do good and govern as the king of the planet. Obatalá is calm, wise, understanding, and he loves peace and harmony. He demands proper behavior from his children and, out of respect, they obey him. No one can swear or blaspheme in front of Obatalá, and no one should appear naked in his presence. He hates alcohol and prohibits his children from drinking it. He always dresses in white, and his eleke (beaded necklace) is also white. He lives in a white porcelain sopera (soup tureen) kept on the altar of the home."..

****
EXCERPT #7
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obatala

[...]

In the Americas
Santería
Obatalá (also known as Ochalá or Oxalá; Orichalá or Orixalá) is the oldest "Orisha funfun" ("white deity"), referring to purity, both physically and symbolically as in the "light" of consciousness. In Santería, Obatalá is syncretized with Our Lady of Mercy and Jesus Of Nazareth.

Candomblé
In Candomblé, Oxalá (Obatalá) has been syncretized with Our Lord of Bonfim; in that role, he is the patron saint of Bahia. The extensive use of white clothing, which is associated with the worship of Oxalá, has become a symbol of Candomblé in general.[2] Friday is the day dedicated to the worship of Oxalá. A large syncretic religious celebration of the Festa do Bonfim in January in Salvador celebrates both Oxalá and Our Lord of Bonfim; it includes the washing of the church steps with a special water, made with flowers."...

****
EXCERPT #8
From https://discoverthebrazil.blogspot.com/2014/01/bonfim-festival-salvador-brazil.html
Friday, January 17, 2014 Postado por MARIA O'LEARY
"BONFIM FESTIVAL - SALVADOR - BRAZIL

The best time to visit the Brazilian city of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is in the summertime, between the months of December and March. At this time the city is on fire with religious, folk, and popular festivals all filled with music, food, drinks, água de cheiro (perfumed water), flowers, dancing and happiness. Almost every weekend in this time frame there is either a lavagem (ritual washing of a church which culminates into a party) or a Candomblé `beating of the drums' (a ceremony in the Nigerian Yoruba religion of Candomblé). The three most popular festivals are: the Lavagem of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, the Festa of Yemanjá (Yoruban Goddess of the Ocean) and of course, Carnaval. (Pravina Shukla)

Bonfim Festival (Lavagem do Bonfim) is one of the biggest events in Salvador. The Catholic celebration starts at Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church, with devotees wearing white clothing, beads and carrying the important vases containing perfumed water along with beautiful flowers before heading to Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church, which is the best known in Bahia State and an important symbol for locals. The festival honors Senhor do Bonfim (associated with the important orixá Oxalá, by Candomblé - Nigerian Yoruba religion - whose color is white).

[...]

The annual and popular Lavagem do Bonfim festival is attended by thousands of people who come to not only take part in the ritual blessing but to also join in the celebrations afterwards.

The procession travels for about 10 miles to the Church of Bonfim where even more spectators are gathered, eagerly awaiting the blessing that takes place there. During the blessing, the perfumed water that has been so carefully carried is subsequently poured over people's hands and on their heads.

[...]

The steps of the Church of Bonfim are also cleaned with the perfumed water as part of the ritual cleansing of the church. At this point, all sing the anthem of Senhor do Bonfim and it is after this event that the street parties often begin and contain plenty of music entertainment, singing and dancing not to mention plenty of street vendors to help keep everyone going. People go to the booths by the Church of Bonfim to eat and drink. There's dancing on the streets, among the traditional booths of Baianas selling acarajé (West African food made of black eyed peas fried in palm oil).

[...]

One popular tradition is to have a Bonfim ribbon tied around your wrist and to make a wish, if the ribbon wears off naturally then it is believed that your wish will come true.

[...]

This festival takes place usually the second Thursday of January every year. This ritual has been occurring in Salvador since 1754.

There are also horse-drawn carriages, musicians, as well as government officials, including the mayor of Salvador. The Carnaval group Filhos de Gandhy (Son of Gandhi), who traditionally lead the procession, march right behind the Baianas all the way to the Church of Bonfim."...
-snip-
This article includes a number of photographs. One of the photographs about Bonfim, shows that Bonfim ribbons can be of any color, including white.

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Example #1: Ilu Aye - Obatala video by DennisFlores.com



Dennis Flores. Published on Mar 26, 2006

ILU AYE (Literally, "The Drum of the World" in Yoruba)was founded in 2004, to celebrate the connections between the peoples and cultures of the African Diaspora. Bringing together the next generation of Afro-Puerto Rican, -Dominican, and -Cuban percussionists and singers, ILU AYE is dedicated to preserving and promulagting the rich cultural legacy of Africa in the Americas and the Caribbean, through performance, educational workshops, and community-centered gatherings where the rhythms of the African Caribbean reign. Trained by master musicians from all three islands, and versed in sacred and popular rhythms such as bata, guiro, rumba (Cuba); bomba and plena (Puerto Rico); and palos, salves, and kongos (Dominican Republic), ILU AYE interprets traditional songs and reinvigorates the genres with original compositions by renowned akpwon, Osvaldo "Bembe" Lora....

****
Example #2: Orisha Dance



Baba Abayomi, Published on Jul 20, 2007

Song and Dance For Orisha Obatala from 17th annual African Street Festival.
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread about this African Street Festival:

rbso6, 2009
"this was at the Annual African Street Festival in Brooklyn sometime in th 80's This the Afrtican Traditional Religion of Ifa. They are singning for the various orisas. This song is for Obatala."

****
Example #3: Obatala and Oshun Festival 2009 Part II of III



Iya Fayemisi Shangobukola, Published on May 13, 2009

Obatala and Oshun Festival 2009 Part II, Ode Remo, Ogun state, Nigeria.

African Traditional Isese Festival.

During this Yoruba festival the followers worship Orisa Obatala and Oshun with dances, songs and traditional donations. This festival took place in February - March, 2009 in the Ode Remo town, Ogun state, Nigeria.

The organizator of this festival is IyalOrisa Iya Afin Iyedola Onajoko Oduwole Sokunmbi, among with the female community of Obatala priestesses.
-snip-
Here's some information about Osun from http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-africa/oshun-african-goddess-love-and-sweet-waters-002908
..."Although Oshun (also spelt Osun) is regarded principally as a goddess of love, there are other aspects to this Orisha as well. One of the most important roles that Oshun plays is that of the goddess of the sweet waters and the protective deity of the River Oshun in Nigeria....

Although Oshun governs love and the sweet waters, she is also regarded as a highly benevolent deity. Oshun is said to be the protector of the poor and the mother of all orphans. It is Oshun who brings to them their needs in this life. Additionally, Oshun is regarded as a healer of the sick, the bringer of song, music and dance, as well as prosperity and fertility. Oshun is also depicted as a teacher, who taught the Yoruba agriculture, culture and mysticism. She also taught them the art of divination using cowrie shells, as well as songs, chants and meditations taught to her by her father Obatala, the first of the created Orishi."...
-snip-
Osun's color is honey yellow.

****
Example #4: Nigeria- Obatala Shrine in Ile Ife



wavawoman, Published on Jun 16, 2009

©2006 Wavawoman Films, LLC] Devotees inside the Obatala Shrine in Ile-Ife, Nigeria playing igbin bells and dancing for Obatala.

****
Example #5: Band Cidade - Lavagem do Bonfim



Band Bahia, Published on Jan 14, 2011

Olho na Tela. Olho na Band.

****
Example #6: Lavagem do Bonfim . Salvador . Bahia



Marcelo Reis, Published on Jun 19, 2011
-snip-
Google translation from Portuguese to English: Lavagem do Bonfim = Cleaning the Bonfim

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Example #7: Festival De Obatala



Ileorisa Apesin, Published on Jul 17, 2013

Festival de Obatala Realizado en Trinidad y Tobago
Difundiendo la Tradiccion Yoruba

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Example #8: Yoruba Andabo - Obbatalá



AyvaMusica, Published on Jan 12, 2014
-snip-
Commenters in this video's discussion thread indicated that this dance was performed in Cuba.

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This concludes Part III of this pancocojams ongoing series about the meaning of colors in traditional African cultures.

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