In this blog post, I shall speak of the sacred earth-rites for the dead—how they bury the passing of soul from this world. Then I shall reveal to you some cultural practices in South-Western Nigeria.
The Zoroastrians’ Tower of Silence, or Dakhma, is like a tall structure where the dead are left to decay. These dead will be consumed by the hungry scavengers of the air which is usually the vultures. In so doing, the flesh is gone, and the bones are gathered together—not for cremation or burial, but for a special ossuary. Limestone or crushed rocks might be used to catalyse the process.
The video above was not created by me, but it speaks volumes upon volumes of why the Zoroastrian culture became a thing of the past in some regions. Places where it is commonly practiced include Iran and India. Zoroastrianism is very, very old—older than Christianity and Islam.
The Islamic religion believes in burying their dead immediately; they are against mortuary practices and many more. Choosing between religion and cultural rights, I bring to you local community news from Ogun State, Nigeria. King's death rites were traditionally performed by the traditionalists. However, the king was instead buried by the imams, creating fury among the traditionalists.
Christianity centers around Christ alone. It permits mortuary practices, and they believe in the fact that sin is inherited, and once you believe in Jesus and live a righteous life, you will reign with Christ. Most Christians believe in miracles and might permit a longer duration of time before burial. However, every prayer after death is useless because it is written:
It is given unto man to die once and after this is judgement.
Toor... The parable of Jesus and Lazarus indicates that death is final. No going back o. No... It is already too late o... My favorite song.
[Source]([https://pixabay.com/photos/buddha-statue-pond-sculpture-1177009/]
Moving on, Buddhism is religion that revolves around Siddhartha Gautama also known as the Buddha. It involves understanding pains and suffering. Their core teachings revolves around these Four Noble Truths:
Suffering exists.
Desire causes it.
Ending suffering is possible.
The Eightfold Path is the way out.
Buddhism sees death as a transition, not an end—kinda like my own belief. But it also pushes reincarnation and reminds us the body’s temporary. Most Buddhists cremate (to free the soul), though burial’s cool too.
Getting over those shitty, scary death things and focusing on something else!
Some people in Nigeria will put their infant child in water to test if they’re really theirs. At first, I thought it had some superstitious connection, but now I think it’s just a normal reflex all babies have—right from their time floating in amniotic fluid and the likes.
So, culture and religion kinda go together. But these days, if we place religion and culture side by side, religion has a greater influence. Gone are the days when people would say, "Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists worship the same God." Now? We see there are different Gods.
Moving on to my own environment, I am a proud Nigerian who is fully aware of his roots. The Yoruba believe there is one supreme God called Olódùmarè or Ọlọrun and many Orisha (divine spirits or deities) who serve as intermediaries or middlemen between humans and the Supreme Being. Every Orisha has a specific role, domain, or attribute. However, some believe this God is the same everywhere. But let me just tell you about some gods and what they stand for.
First is Olódùmarè or Ọlọrun.. He is seen as the supreme being, the creator of all— Eleda. This synonymous with the "real God," which aligns with the theory of creationism that I was thought in college. He isn't worshipped directly; instead, rituals and prayers are often directed to the Orisha or, let's say, the "small small gods.
Next is Ẹṣù (Eshu) often considered as satan or the wicked one. We see him as the trickster and messenger of the gods, especially in Yoruba comics and stories. Eshu controls the crossroads and communication between Orisha and humans. Moreover, he's the guardian of balance and justice.
Oh my gosh! I should talk about Ọbàtálá, often regarded as the leader of all Orisha and humans. My mum, a Yoruba teacher, says orisha Ọbàtálá is believed to be the purest, most intelligent, and most peaceful of the gods.
Every one of us must have heard about Thor, so I want you to meet the Yoruba equivalent called Ṣàngó (Shango), the god of thunder, lightning, and fire. My mum would say thieves in the old days would be carried by Sango to the marketplace with their stolen goods. Some even link him to the thunder that struck Fulani cattle during recent crises. My mum said that he was once a king of Oyo who radiates masculinity, power, and justice. Akoni okunrin is an attribute she used to describe him.
Another key orisha is Ogun. He is the god of iron, war, and technology. I see him as electric man. Since I was five, I have known this god to be patron of blacksmiths, warriors, and hunters. People around me would swear using metallic objects such as nails, biro tips, cutlasses, and many others to prove their assertions.
Video: Dedicating a child to osun god
Moving on, I would talk about Ọṣun which is usually pronounced as Oshun. The one and only goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and rivers. She give a vibe that radiates Pure sweetness and femininity. Just as women are protectors and caregivers, Oshun is a powerful healer and guardian of women and children. People go to osun to seek children.
Don't take this personally. My whole being frowns at this because Osun’s children are problems. People call them Omo Omi which means a child from the water
During the annual Osun festivals , the worshippers of this orisha (god) display white attires. It reminds me of black panther two. White in Africa indicates spiritual connection. Smile.
Other gods which I am not able to talk about include Oya, Ọbaluayé (also known as Ṣọnpọ̀nná), Erinle, and Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì.
Intermission: People bearing names like Ogungbemi, Ogunsola, Esufisibe have changed their names to Oluwa/Jesu Gbemi, Oluwasola, or Oluwafisibe just to suit their new religion.
Finally, I say to you all: Religion is eradicating our culture gradually and gradually creating enmity between religious groups and people.
#Bastion #arcadecolony #hbd #smp-w26
I'm Ariyo Joseph Ayobamidele — nature observer, anatomy learner, science thinker. I write and draw to process the world. Heading into medicine and surgery. Self-sponsored through Hive and block chain technologies. My word for you is "Curiosity causes growth — and your support adds value." 🔬✍️
