| Ọya | |
|---|---|
Storms, cemeteries, wind, thunder, lightning, the dead | |
| Member ofOrisha | |
 Iansã sculpture at the Catacumba Park,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil | |
| Other names | Oyá, Oiá, Yànsàn-án, Yansã, Iansã, Iyámsá |
| Venerated in | Yorùbá religion,Umbanda,Candomblé,Santería,Batuque,Quimbanda,Haitian Vodou,Folk Catholicism |
| Symbol | Lightning, sword/machete, flywhisk (iruké), water buffalo |
| Color | Brown, burgundy, rainbow (excluding black) |
| Region | Nigeria,Benin,Latin America |
| Ethnic group | Yorùbá |
| Festivals | February 2, October 15 |
| Genealogy | |
| Spouse | Ogun,Shango,Oko |
Ọya (Yorùbá:Ọya, also known asOyá,Oiá,Yànsàn-án,Yansã,Iyámsá, orIansã) is one of the principal female deities of theYoruba pantheon. She is the orisha of winds, lightning, and storms,[1][2] and is the only orisha capable of controlling theEggun (spirits of the dead), a power given to her byBabalú Ayé.
Ọya lived on Earth as a human from the town of Ira, in present dayKwara state,Nigeria, where she was a wife of theAlaafin of Oyo,Shango. InYorùbá, the name Ọya is believed to derive from the phrase coined from "ọ ya" which means "she tore," referring to her association with powerful winds. She was believed to have the power toshape-shift into abuffalo, and is often depicted as one in traditional Yorùbá poetry. As such, the buffalo serves as a major symbol of Ọya, and it is forbidden for her priests to kill one.[3] She is known asỌya Ìyáńsàn-án,the "mother of nine", because of the nine children she gave birth to with her third husbandOko, after suffering from a lifetime ofbarrenness. She is the patroness of theNiger River (known to theYorùbá as the Odò-Ọya).[4]
In theYoruba religion, Ọya was married three times, first to the warrior orishaOgun, thenShango, and finally, another hunting and farming deity, Oko.
Oya was traditionally worshipped only in the areas ofYorubaland once under the control and influence of theOyo Empire. Because of theAtlantic slave trade, many of her followers ofOyo origin were kidnapped and sold to the New World, where her worship became widespread. Oya worship has also spread to other parts of Yorubaland.
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In the Americas, Ọya is syncretized with Catholic saints such asSaint Teresa of Ávila (October, 15) and theVirgin of Candelaria (February, 2).
Oyá gained control over the dead after dancing for Babalú Ayé, who, moved by her compassion and bravery, granted her dominion over the Eggun. This myth highlights her deep connection with death and spiritual transition.
After struggling with infertility, Oyá was advised by aBabalawo to perform a sacrifice involving 18,000 sea snails, colored fabrics, and ram meat. She followed the instructions and gave birth to nine children, earning the name Iyansan.
One tale tells of Oyá leading women’s secret rituals in the forest using a disguised monkey to frighten men. Upon being discovered by Ogun, the men reclaimed the cult but still recognized Oyá as its founder, calling her Oyá Igbalé.
Ọya is believed to manifest in 23 avatars or paths:
InCandomblé, Oyá is known as Iansã or lyá Mésàn, or most commonly, Iansã, from the YorubaYánsán. She is revered as a fierce warrior, the queen of the Niger River, and the mother of nine. Iansã controls mysteries surrounding the dead and is commonly associated with the color red in the Angola-Congo nation. Her salutation is "Eeparrei!" or "Epahhey, Oia!"
Iansã, as inYoruba religion, commands winds, storms, and lightning. She is the queen of theriver Niger and the mother of nine. She is a warrior and is unbeatable. Attributes of Iansã include great intensity of feelings, sensations, and charm. Another ability attributed to Iansã is control over the mysteries that surround the dead.[6] Iansã is syncretized withSaint Barbara.[7] In the Candomblénação (association) of Angola Congo, Iansã is associated with the color red.[8]
Offerings includeÀkàrà (acarajé), eggplant, mulberries, dark chocolate, and specific puddings. Acarajé, a fried patty made from crushed black-eyed peas and spices, is both a ritual food and a street delicacy inBahia, Brazil.[5]
Acarajé is a spherical patty made with peeled, crushed black-eyed peas, stuffed with small shrimp, okra, crushed peanuts, and other savory, piquant spices. The ball-like patty is fried in dendê oil (red palm oil). It's a traditional Afro-Brazilian dish that is also a traditional offering to Iansã in theCandomblé tradition. A simple, unseasoned form of acarajé is used in rituals and a version served with various condiments is sold as a common street food inBahia in the northeast of Brazil. Ipeté and bobo de inhame are also associated with Iansã.[8]
In Yorùbá, her food isÀkàrà. Eggplant, mulberries, pudding, and dark chocolate are also foods for Oya.
Oyá is symbolized by lightning, swords, flywhisks (iruké), and tornados. She wears multicolored garments and carries ritual items forged from metal.
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