About Me: Adedolapo
Know your origin and Culture
Image: Author
Background
My Tribe
I am from the beautiful Yoruba tribe in southwestern Nigeria, West Africa. I come from the ancient town of Ile-Ife, where dawn arises. Historically, my town is where the Yoruba people originated. According to Yoruba history, water once covered the earth, so Eledumaàre (God) sent Orumila (a god) to create the earth, but he got drunk on his way from heaven. So Eledumaàre sent Oduduwà (another god) to continue the journey. Oduduwà collected the instruments of creation from the drunk Orumila. When he reached the earth, he poured sand on the water and then scattered corn over it. He then placed a hen, which spread the sand as it ate the corn. Wherever the sand reached transformed into land, and that is how the human race began.
Oduduwà then became the first king of Ile-Ife. He had seven children who migrated to all the now-known Yoruba towns in West Africa. Yoruba are everywhere in the world. Research on the population of Yoruba worldwide shows their extensive presence.
Yoruba are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, honesty, and hospitality. Our respect for elders is unparalleled; men prostrate while greeting elders, and women kneel. Yoruba also have a tradition of bowing when greeting. Our unique way of dressing, such as Aso Oke (hand-woven fabric) and Adire (tie and dye designs), is still fashionable today.
Mythology and Legend
Like the Greeks, Yoruba have gods and goddesses. Sango is the god of thunder, and Osun is the goddess of water. There are also heroes in Yoruba land, such as Moremi, a brave woman warrior.
Sovereignty
We have traditional rulers, with each town and city in Yoruba land having its ruler. The head of all traditional rulers in Yoruba land is the Ooni of Ife, the king of Ile-Ife. (Please note that Nigeria is a democratic nation.)
Parties (Owanbe)
Yoruba love parties and celebrate in grand style. Our parties, whether weddings, funerals, or festivals, are always elaborate. Yoruba don’t mind spending all their income on parties. It may seem foolish, but some manage to recover the expenses through money spraying. This tradition involves guests spraying money on the celebrant while they dance, and the celebrant’s trusted allies collect the money.
Fashion (Aso Ebi Gang)
Fashion plays a vital role in Owanbe parties. Guests wear Aso Ebi to show they belong to a group or family. The host or celebrant chooses a particular fabric and color for guests to wear, making them stand out brightly and elegantly.
My sisters and her friends
Names (Oruko)
Yoruba take pride in naming their children. Yoruba names are classified into several forms:
1. Oruko Amutoruwa (Names brought from heaven): These names are for unique individuals whose birth holds significant symbolism. Examples include names for twins like Taiwo (first to emerge and taste the world) and Kehinde (last to emerge), and names like Ige (born by breech).
2. Oruko Abiso (Names given by parents or guardians): These names are given during a naming ceremony seven day after birth. While they don’t hold significant meaning related to birth, they are still special. Examples include Adedolapo (Crown coupled with wealth) and Ayomide (My joy has come), Oluwatofunmi [ God is enough for me]
3. Oruko Oriki (Panegyric names): These are praise poetry names used to inspire the bearer. Each Yoruba individual and family has an Oriki. These names are used to praise a person and can be very uplifting. My Oriki name is Arike (a being to be cherished and pampered).
Local Food
Yoruba love cooking and our local dishes are diverse and delicious. Examples include Iyan and Egusi (pounded yam and melon soup), Eba and Efo Riro (cassava flakes and vegetable soup), and Amala and Ila (yam flakes and okra soup).
Yoruba in the Diaspora
Yoruba can be found all over the world, maintaining their cultural heritage and traditions.
Screenshot from Google
My Belief
I believe in God, and according to Genesis, God created the universe. I also believe Jesus died for the sins of the world. I love God and I love you all.
Dolly ❤️
