What does Obatala symbolize?

What does Obatala symbolize?

Obatala or “Orisa Nla” (known as Obatalá in Yorubaland and in Caribbean and South American Spanish and Oxalá in Brazil) is an orisha. He is believed, according to Yoruba cosmology, to be the Sky Father and the creator of human bodies, which were brought to life by the smooth breath of Olodumare.

Is Obatala a man or woman?

Obatala does not have a permanent gender. He is androgynous. He is married to Yemaya, the goddess of oceans and the godmother of Orishas. Free of gender, however, Obatala could be male, female, or neither.

Who is the daughter of Obatala?

daughter Kemi
Obatala encourages his daughter Kemi to look for friends with good character. She has an exciting journey in which she learns that being superficial can bring trouble. However, with clarity and courage Kemi finds joy at last.

Was Obatala white?

Obatala is the Spirit of the Chief of the White Cloth in the West African religious tradition called “Ifá”. The power of Obatala is described by Ifá as one of many Spiritual Forces in Nature which are called “Orisha”. There are a large number of Orisha, and each Orisha has its own awo (Mysteries of Nature).

What are the characteristics of Obatala?

In addition to purity, Obatala is associated with the characteristics of wisdom, compassion, peace, honesty, purpose, the New Year, forgiveness, resurrection, and ethics.

Who is the most powerful Orisha?

Ṣàngó
Ṣàngó is viewed as the most powerful and feared of the orisha pantheon. He casts a “thunderstone” to earth, which creates thunder and lightning, to anyone who offends him. Worshippers in Yorubaland in Nigeria do not eat cowpea because they believe that the wrath of the god of iron would descend on them.

What orisha day is Friday?

Day 1 is dedicated to Obatala, Sopona, Iyami Aje, and the Egungun. Day 2 is dedicated to Orunmila, Esu, and Osun. Day 3 is dedicated to Ogun & Oshosi. Day 4 is dedicated to Sango and Oya….Calendar terminologies.