Olokun Festival
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The Olokun Festival is the name of annual cultural festival in Nigeria celebrated throughout Yorubaland by various Yoruba people groups, and also by the Edo. In the Yoruba Language, Okun means Sea, while Osa means Lagoon (enclosed sea). Olokun is the goddess/god of the sea, while Olosa also known as Osara is the Goddess of the lagoon and estuaries. Both are celebrated and venerated in different festivals.
In Yoruba tradition, the chief Olokun shrine is located in the Ilode quarter of
Among the Ilaje who live along the coastline of Ondo state, the Olokun deity is believed to be the goddess of the sea, who has the power to give children to barren women. She is also believed to be in control of ocean waves, and she can sink sea vessels of evildoers. Olokun is also a goddess of riches and has the power to enrich her devotees. The worshippers of Olokun are generally dressed in immaculate white attires with their faces coated with white chalk ‘efun’. As a festival of note among the Ilajes, the Olokun Festival is held in high esteem, as the people believe it has a moderating influence on their lives.[2]
The Edos celebrate theirs in late February (1st 'moon' after the 12th moon) that takes place in
The latter festival, which has been held since 2002, is organized by the Olokun Festival Foundation and has become an important tourist and local attraction. It is led by
References
- ^ "Olokun: On the trail of the sea goddess | National Mirror". Archived from the original on September 18, 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Welcome to the Official Website of Ondo State Government Nigeria". Archived from the original on 2016-10-28. Retrieved 2016-10-27.