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Symbol lightning, the sword or machete, the flywhisk, water buffalo Color purple or burgundy, the rainbow Region Nigeria, Benin, Latin America Ethnic group Yoruba people, African diaspora | ||
Oya (Yoruba: Ọya, also known as Oyá or Oiá; Yansá or Yansã; and Iansá or Iansã in Latin America) is an Orisha of winds, lightning, and violent storms, death and rebirth. She is similar to the Haitian Maman Brigitte, who is syncretised with the Catholic Saint Brigit.
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In Yoruba, the name Oya literally means "She Tore". She is known as Ọya-Iyansan – the "mother of nine." This is due to the Niger River (known to the Yoruba as the Odo-Ọya) traditionally being known for having nine tributaries.
Candomblé
In Candomblé Oya is known as Oiá, lyá Mésàn, or most commonly, Iansã, from the Yoruba Yánsán. Iansã, as in Yoruba religion, commands winds, storms, and lightning. She is the queen of the River Niger, and the mother of nine. She is a warrior and unbeatable. Attributes of Iansã including great intensity of feeling, sensations, and charm. Another ability attributed to Iansã is control over the mysteries that surround the dead. Iansã is syncretized with Saint Barbara. In the Candomblé nação (association) of Angola Congo, Iansã is associated with the color red.
Characteristics
Ritual foods
Acarajé, a ball formed from crushed or peeled beans and fried in dendê (palm oil) is a traditional offering to Iansã in the Candomblé tradition of Brazil. A simple, unseasoned form of acarajé is used in rituals, and a version served with various condiments is sold as a common street food in Bahia in the northeast of Brazil. Ipeté and bobo de inhame are also associated with Iansã.