There are lots of traditional religion in Yoruba land the western part of a West Africa country, precisely Nigeria. Rituals and sacrifices are the major ways of worshipping their gods,which has been from ancient days,this as been the believe of our forefathers . Traditional religions has stretch back as about over 9000 years ago. Its has existed before the coming of Islamic and Christianity religion respectively, many people believe that traditional religion is the first and natural religion according to folklores,myths, legends and fictions researchers heard or know about the religion.
Osun river is located at Osun state Nigeria, a river believed to have a goddess living underneath it, this made our forefathers to believe in serving it and giving it what it wants in form of rituals and sacrifices,it is usually called "osun osogbo" know as the new year celebration of "yemoja"(river goddess). The Yorubas believe that Osun river gives children to the barren women who can cry to her for help. According to stories or should we call it testimonies?
Heard from some mothers, a lot of mothers do go to the river goddess to ask for child/children and promise to come back with the child or children the following year festival with gifts for the goddess which is it believed that the goddess will definitely give to them in most cases.
Children given to mothers by "Osun Osogbo" are mostly called "Omo omi" and they(children) must always go and pay homage every year to their life giver which is Osun river goddess,if any child refuses to do this or if he or she is not allowed to pay this homage, it is believed that "in the dream or reality" Yemoja will claim the child.
This is how the Osun river goddess is always been praised:
Yeye ooo
Oyaa ooo
Omi ooo
Osun sengese ooo
They would beat drums and sing round the river with dancings and excitement, most people wear white dresses to the river on the "Osun Oshogbo day" with dignitaries attending the festival after which a prominent worshipper will sprinkle the water on everyone present with prayers while people present will respond "Amen"in Yoruba language "ase". Then
merriment follows, this is done every year,even till date.
Researchers claimed Yoruba traditional religion preach tolerance,which means,it is not interested in having more converts, which is why Osun river festival is always cherished,respected,celebrated and highly dignified. Anybody can be accepted by the Osun river goddess if such person is in troubles or needs.
Osun river is one of the most celebrated river in Nigeria with thousands of worshippers around Africa and the world as a globe.
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