Yemayá is offered food, fruits and flowers such as:
- The Ochinchin made with shrimp, capers, lettuce, boiled eggs, tomato and chard,
- Ekó (corn tamale wrapped in banana leaves),
- Olelé (beans or beans made into paste with ginger, garlic and onion),
- Green banana in balls or yam with okra (okra),
Full Answer
Where can I offer offerings to Yemaya?
Yemaya is the orisha of the seas. Therefore offerings to her are associated with the sea. Offerings to other orishas can be found in other locations. For example, in Cuba it is not uncommon to find objects placed at the base of ceibas trees or royal palms. Each orisha has its own history.
What is Yemaya and how does it work?
Yemaya works with the Orisha Olokun to rule the sea and all of the oceans. Olokun guards the tumultuous depths of the ocean, while Yemaya protects the upper surfaces of the ocean where the light reflects and living things thrive.
Is there more than one Yemaya?
Although there is one Yemaya, she also has multiple paths, which may be venerated independently. Alternatively they may be understood as different facets of one extremely complex, profound goddess. Yemaya’s different paths are symbolized by different shades of blue (and sometimes by unique attributes).
What is the traditional clothing of Yemayá?
• Colors: Sky blue, silver, white, green, especially a blue dress with full skirt of 7 layers to represent ocean waves or the seven seas. After slavers brought slaves to the New World via the Middle Passage, Yemayá’s presence increased in the Americas and the Caribbean.
What do I offer Yemaya?
Offerings for her include molasses, coconut cakes, white flowers, and watermelon. For practicing witches, Yemaya has a fierce, nurturing, gentle energy often associated with the moon and sorcery. As the "Mother of All," she is said to help in matters of self-love, fertility, emotional wounds, trauma, and healing work.
What is Yemaya favorite food?
Yemaya's favorite color is blue. She rules the oceans and all marine creatures, which she loves to eat. She also enjoys watermelon, plantain chips, pork rinds, pineapples, sugar cane syrup and ducks.
What day is Yemaya?
Yemanjá (Yoruba: Yemọja) is a major water spirit from the Yoruba religion. She is the mother of all Orishas....YemọjaDay2 February 31 December 8 December 7 SeptemberColorBlue and White/Crystal beadsRegionYorubaland, Brazil, CubaEthnic groupYoruba people,7 more rows
What is Yemaya candle for?
GREAT FOR: Fertility, healing, spiritual guidance, love, motherhood, peace. Yemaya is one of the most beloved lua in the Orisha religion, often associated with the Virgin Mary.
Who is the daughter of Yemaya?
LisaLisa, she's the daughter of Yemaya, who is the sea, and I'm daughter of Shango, who is thunder. And it's really us. Our characters are really like that. Lisa-Kaindé: In the Yoruba religion, you are chosen by an orisha, which is a divinity.
How old is Yemaya?
In SHALLOW WATERS, though, Yemaya is a 17-year-old mermaid who knows she's different from the humans but doesn't know exactly what she is. The one thing she is sure of is her inexplicably magnetic connection to Obatala (more on that later).
What color is Yemaya?
white and blueYemaya is the orisha of lakes and seas and the patron of women and of motherhood. She is associated with Our Lady of Regla, the protector of sailors. Fans, seashells, canoes, coral, and the moon all represent her. Her colors are white and blue.
Who is Yemoja husband?
In Yorùbá mythology, Yemoja is a mother goddess; patron deity of women, especially pregnant women; and the Ogun river. Her parents are Oduduwa and Obatala. There are many stories as to how she became the mother of all saints. She was married to Aganju and had one son, Orungan, and fifteen Orishas came forth from her.
What orisha day is Friday?
Day 1 is dedicated to Obatala, Sopona, Iyami Aje, and the Egungun. Day 2 is dedicated to Orunmila, Esu, and Osun. Day 3 is dedicated to Ogun & Oshosi. Day 4 is dedicated to Sango and Oya....Calendar terminologies.ỌSẸ̀ in Yoruba calendarDay in Gregorian calendarỌjọ́-Ẹtì (Day of Postponement & Delay)Friday6 more rows
What does Yemaya mean?
What does Yemaya mean? Yeye is a word tahat means “mother”; Omo means child, and Eyá means fish. By combining these words we get a name that means “mother of all marine life”, this is why she is invoked to bless pregnancies and motherhood, and is associated with everything in the sea.
What are some of the best offerings for mermaids?
Perfumes, jewelry, combs, mirrors, images and statues of mermaids, statues of herself, strings of fresh-water and salt-water pearls, and corals make appropriate offerings, as do sea fans, seashells, white stones from the beach, starfish and seahorses. Blue or white lace fans, crystal beads, flowers and food.
What is the Orisha system?
Because the Orishas are deified ancestors of the Yoruba, most modern traditions follow an initiation-based system, which is communal and hierarchical. Divinations and other communications with the spirits are performed by trained priests (such as Santeros or Babalawos), and the interactions should be done through someone who has an Orisha assigned.
How do the Orishas answer the priest?
The Orishas are said to answer the priest or priestess by interpreting how the shells land on the table. Yemayá, depending on the story, either was given the power of merindinlogun, or she stole it. She then taught other Orisha how to throw the cowrie-shells to divine meaning from them.
How long is the Yemoja festival?
There is a 17-day-long festival in Yemayá/ Yemọja’s honor in Nigeria, where devotees sing and dance. The history of the festival stretches back for as long as its celebrants can remember. October 31st is the grand finale of the Yemoja Festival in Ibadan, when different groups of orisa devotees dance to the rhythm of thrumming drums in front of the Yemoja Temple.
What was the name of the woman who brought slaves to the New World?
After slavers brought slaves to the New World via the Middle Passage, Yemayá ’s presence increased in the Americas and the Caribbean. Again, Yemayá was originally known as Yemọja, with Yemayá being one of her names she came to be known by in the New World.
What does Yemaya like?
Yemaya enjoys rich and delicious foods, many of which she shares with Changó. Yemaya enjoys rooster, ram, and guinea hen.
What is the best addima for Yemaya?
Watermelon for Yemayá. A great addimú for Yemaya is a whole watermelon. Buy a large watermelon with seeds, and wash it clean. Place a grass mat (estera) on the floor, place Yemaya’s pot on the grass mat, and place the watermelon on a white plate beside her.
How do Oshun and Yemaya relate?
Yemaya and Oshun relate to one another like typical sisters; they love each other and also have a bit of sibling rivalry. Chango and Yemaya are inseparable. Some followers of Santeria say Yemaya is Chango’s mother. The two of them eat together and Chango shares his wealth with Yemaya.
What are the roads of Yemaya called?
Yemaya has many caminos or “roads”. Each road has a slightly different temperament and is found in a different place in nature. All roads of Yemaya are called “Ibú” and each takes a slightly different shade of blue in her eleke. Here is but a sampling of her caminos.
What is Yembo's color?
Her color is navy blue. Yembo – this road of Yemaya is an orisha funfún (white orisha) that many consider in the court of Odudua. She gave birth to all of the orishas and in many ways is the cosmic mother of all things. She is the calm sea at the seashore. Her color is pale blue and white.
What are the colors of Yemaya?
Number: 7. Sacred Place in Nature: the ocean, lagoons and lakes. Colors: blue and clear .
What do you need to make a yam?
You’ll need a large ñame, sweetened coconut flakes, a can of coconut cream, and sugar cane syrup. Ñame is a root vegetable from the tropics related to the yam that’s white on the inside, rough and brownish gray on the outside. Remove the peel from the ñame and cut it into 1 inch cubes.
What does the Yoruba religion say about children?
The Yoruba religion tells us that we are all children of Yemayá, since we swim in the womb for nine months before being born, she is the fertile mother and protector of newborns.
Where to take all disappointments and sadness?
Take all disappointments and sadness to the bottom of the sea, away from people who do not wish me well, who have feelings contrary to You.
Does Melao love cane?
He loves the cane melao, we can pour it into his waters and at the same time give thanks and talk with the goddess.
What do you give to Yemaya?
Prayers and Offerings to Yemaya. Yemaya enjoys offerings of candles, fish, fruit, rice, molasses, sweet dumplings, caramel corn, perfume, sachet powder, and mirrors, among others. The simplest way to give her offerings is to make them directly to the sea.
Why is Yemaya given prayers?
Yemaya is one of the deities associated with the new year, and she is given prayers and offerings to help bring good luck and happiness to those who honor her.
What is the difference between Yemaya and Olokun?
As people were stolen and taken across the sea as part of the slave trade, Yemaya became an ocean goddess -- deity of the light, gentle, upper part of the sea, while Olokun rules the darker waters deep beneath the surface. Water is renewal.
What is the name of the goddess that protects her children?
Yemaya is a powerful, caring goddess who comforts and protects her children. Like the rolling waves of the sea, she can offer spiritual cleansing, blessings, and abundance. If you need some help lifting your burdens and bringing more joy into your life next year, consider making offerings to her at the seashore and requesting her help.
What is the new year?
No matter when you celebrate it, the new year is a time for setting yourself up for the months ahead. Spells and rituals for setting intentions and creating the life you want to live are a perfect way to begin the year anew.
Is Yemaya a good time to celebrate the New Year?
Even if your culture doesn't celebrate New Year's eve during summer, Yemaya is still associated with the renewing energy that the new year brings. It might not be warm enough to dance on the shore, but it is still a good time to give prayers and offerings to bring you luck and blessings.
How to pray to Yemaya?
Invoke, petition, or pray to Yemaya. • Sprinkle the water over your naked body from head to toe using your fingers or a roseMary branch. • Let the water remain on your body for a little while, and then gently pat yourself dry with a brand-new clean white towel or cloth. • Put on clean clothes.
Who is Yemaya syncretized to?
Yemaya is syncretized to the Stella Maris and the Black Madonna of Regla.
What is the only orisha with two heavenly bodies?
Star and half moon; Yemaya is the only orisha associated with two heavenly bodies—one isn’t sufficient to represent her beauty.
Where did Yemaya live?
Once upon a time, Yemaya lived in the cemetery and Oya in the sea. Yemaya tricked Oya into permanently trading places. Oya has never entirely forgiven her. Do not feed or venerate them side by side. Leave some distance between these two powerful orishas.
How many paths does Yemaya have?
Although there is one Yemaya, she also has multiple paths, which may be venerated independently. Alternatively they may be understood as different facets of one extremely complex, profound goddess. Yemaya’s different paths are symbolized by different shades of blue (and sometimes by unique attributes).
How to decorate Yemaya's shrine?
Yemaya’s shrine should evoke the sea. Decorate it with nets, seashells, sea stars, and sea horses. Add salted water to a crystal glass containing small seashells.
What is Yemaya's nature?
Her nature resembles that of the sea: profound, beautiful, filled with treasure and generosity but also potentially tempestuous. Yemaya generously bestows abundance, wealth, healing, love, and fertility, but she is also the essence of tidal waves and rip currents.
What is the name of the water deity in Yoruba?
ja) is a major water deity from the Yoruba religion. She is an orisha. She is often syncretized with either Our Lady of Regla in the afrocuban diaspora or various other Virgin Mary figures of the Catholic Church, a practice that emerged during the era of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Why does Oshun carry a mirror?
Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty. She loves honey, sunflowers, oranges, cinnamon, and pumpkin.
What does Yemaya like?
Yemaya likes sea shells, fish, net, sea horses, anchors and everything related to the sea. She is generally kept in a blue flowered porcelain soup tureen full of water. She is also associated with stars and the full moon, ducks and peacocks. Yemaya controls the parts of the sea that a human knows.
How did Yemaya learn divination?
She's also associated with the creative and nurturing forces of the sea. She learned how to do divination by watching her husband, Orula, do consults. Women weren't supposed to do consults but Yemaya was so good at it, her husband made a pact with her that she could use cowry shells to divine.
What is the difference between Olukun and Yemaya?
Yemaya statue www.amazon.com. Yemaya stays in the uppermost part of the ocean while Olukun is the orisha who resides in the dark depths. Olukun is respected for his ominous power that has no perceived limits or boundaries while Ye maya is associated with life, fertility and creation. Therefore, they balance each other.
What is Olukun's power?
Olukun balances her strong feminine powers with his steadfast male energy. In Santeria and Candomble, Olukun and Yemaya have been separated into two Orisha. Yemaya has the largest following in both religions. One possible explanation for her following is her connection to the sea and the Africans who were brought over.
What color is Yemaya?
Also representing Yemaya are peacocks. Blue is her color. Those who worship her wear necklaces of clear and blue beads as well as a blue dress complete with seven layers to represent the seven seas. In a ceremony for Yemaya, everyone dances in a circle and the altar is in the form of a circle. The circle represents the eternal cycle of life.
What does the tide represent in Yemaya?
By rocking the world as a cradle, the tides represent Yemaya's desires to protect and nurture all her children. With Yemaya considered to be the greatest mother there is no surprise that she is very sexual. Since nothing can resist water, she is respected for her strength. Those who hurt her children, Yemaya drowns.
What is the name of the Virgin Mary?
She is also known as Ymoga (mother of the fishes), Iamanga and Balianne. Today, she is celebrated as the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), Stella Maris (Star of the Sea), and Our Lady of Regia. She comforted the slaves in the ships.
How to make yemaya offerings?
It is traditional to make Yemaya offerings and set them afloat on the water in a small boat. Write a note with your desires and thoughts on a small piece of paper. Anoint the paper with Yemaya perfume and place it on the boat. Focus on your intentions as you send your boat out to sea for Yemaya to find.
What does Yemaya do?
Yemaya gives life and offers support to all who inhabit the Earth. Her generous and protective nature endears her to those who worship her. Yemaya works with the Orisha Olokun to rule the sea and all of the oceans. Olokun guards the tumultuous depths of the ocean, while Yemaya protects the upper surfaces of the ocean where ...
What is the difference between Olokun and Yemaya?
Olokun guards the tumultuous depths of the ocean, while Yemaya protects the upper surfaces of the ocean where the light reflects and living things thrive. She oversees the waves and the myriad of life forms that call the ocean their home. Together, these two Orishas create a balance that ebbs and flows as naturally as the tides.
What is the meaning of the Yemaya necklace?
Present a Yemaya statue with offerings of watermelon and yams. Wear a Yemaya Camino necklace to invoke her strength and protection or present one to a loved one who is preparing to have a baby.
How many Orishas are there in Yemaya?
The daughter of Oddudua and Obatala, Yemaya is mother to 14 Orishas, as well as Obafulom and Lyaa, the first human male and female and the ancestors of all humans.
Does Yemaya cure infertility?
It is said that Yemaya can cure women of their infertility. As she creates life, she also protects it during all of its happiness and despair. She reminds women to nurture their needs and celebrate their many gifts and strengths.