The Ancestors: From Egypt to Yoruba to Ethiopia
ANCIENT KEMET Genetic studies of ancient Egyptian mummies suggest a mix of North African, Near Eastern, and Sub-Saharan African lineages, indicating that ancient Kemet (Egypt) were of many backgrounds.
One of the most ancient and significant deities in Egyptian mythology, is the God Atum. Atum, also known as Atem or Ra, is considered the god who created himself from the waters of Nun (the first life on earth) at the beginning of time. He is often called the setting sun and is the oldest of all Gods, ruler of all the earth. Atum created his children, Shu (the god of air) and Tefnut (the goddess of moisture.) They were the first couple, and together they birthed Geb (the god of the earth) and Nut (the goddess of the sky). Geb and Nut are often depicted as lying on top of each other, with Shu standing between them to separate the sky from the earth. Geb and Nut had four children who are among the most well-known deities in Egyptian mythology, they are:
Osiris: The god of the afterlife, resurrection, and agriculture.
Isis: The goddess of magic, motherhood, and fertility.
Seth: The god of chaos, violence, and storms.
Nephthys: The goddess of mourning, night, and rivers. These deities, along with Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Geb, and Nut, form the Great Nine, a group of deities worshipped in ancient Egypt.
The Story of Osiris and Seth According to Egyptian mythology, Seth was jealous of his older brother Osiris, who was beloved by the people and his sisters. He ruled Egypt justly. Seth’s jealousy led him to murder Osiris, he then scattered his body parts all over Egypt. Another version noted that he tricked Osiris into lying in a beautifully crafted chest, which he then sealed and threw into the Nile River. After killing his brother, he claimed the throne. Osiris’s wife, who was also his sister Isis, searched for his body and eventually found all the parts, with the help of her sister Nephthys she put his body back together and wrapped him in cloth. She was sad that they never conceived a child, and in her despair the Gods allowed the spirit of Osiris to give her a child. She hid her pregnancy from her brother Seth, and conceived a son named Horus. The sisters trained Horus to fight, and he would later grow up to avenge his father’s death by defeating his uncle Seth in a series of battles. He was named the God of the Sky and Kingship and restored order to Egypt. This story is central to Egyptian mythology and looks at betrayal, resurrection, and the eternal struggle between order and chaos. Horus marries Hathor (goddess of love, beauty, music, motherhood, and joy) who is believed to be the child of Nut. They have four sons who become significant deities in ancient Egyptian mythology, primarily associated with the protection of the deceased in the afterlife. These four deities relate to the canopic jars used during mummification, each jar holding a specific organ of the deceased which needs to be preserved for the afterlife. Their roles were fundamental to ensuring the safe passage and protection of the deceased in the afterlife.
Here are their names and roles: Imsety: Depicted as a human, is responsible for protecting the liver of the deceased. He is the God of the South and is guarded by the goddess Isis. Hapy: Depicted as a baboon, is responsible for protecting the lungs. He is the God of the North and is guarded by the goddess Nephthys. Duamutef: Depicted as a jackal, is responsible for the stomach. He is the God of the East and is guarded by the goddess Neith. Qebehsenuef: Depicted as a falcon, is responsible for the intestines. He is the God of the West and is guarded by the goddess Serqet.
Ancient Egyptian Mythology is vast and is also an incredibly detailed and thorough religion with systems of belief with complimenting rituals and observances. The rich structures existed before and after slavery and continue to be observed today.
YORUBA (ANCIENT IFA / ORISA) The Yoruba religion is an ancient and vast belief system practiced by the Yorùbá people in Western Africa, including Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
ORISHA priest Michael Osouna: “The time has come for the Orisha faith to be given the recognition it deserves, since it was the spirit of the orishas that guided the Haitians to revolt in 1804, triggering the movement to free African slaves across the world, decades later. – Newsday interview: Sunday 1 August 2021
The Yoruba religion, also known as Ifá or Orisa, is a rich and complex African belief system. The religion centres around hundreds of orishas (gods), with knowledge passed down through oral tradition and is still practised by many.
Core Beliefs: Olodumare (Olorun) is the supreme creator and source of all energy. Orishas: These are deities or divine beings that serve as intermediaries between humans and Olodumare. Each Orisha governs specific aspects of nature and human life, such as fertility, war, love, and wisdom. Ase: A vital life force that exists in all things, both living and non-living. It is the energy that drives the universe and is present in humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects. When you say Ase, it means may it be so.
Cosmology Aiyé and Orun: The Yoruba cosmology divides the universe into two realms: Aiyé (the physical world) and Orun (the spiritual world). Humans live in Aiyé, while Orun is inhabited by gods, spirits, and ancestors. Destiny (Ayanmo): Yoruba beliefs hold that every person has a destiny or fate, known as Ayanmo, which they must fulfil that is preordained by Olodumare.
Practices and Rituals Divination (Ifá): The practice of divination is central to Yoruba religion. It involves consulting the Gods through a diviner, known as a Babalawo or Iyalawo, to gain insights and guidance. Offerings and Sacrifices: Rituals often include offerings of food, drink, and other items to the Gods to seek their favour and blessings. Festivals and Celebrations: Celebrations are vibrant and shared, often involving music, dance, and elaborate ceremonies to honor the Gods.
Influence and Spread The Yoruba religion has significantly influenced various Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin American religions, such as Santería in Cuba, Candomblé in Brazil, and Trinidad Orisha in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Yoruba religion features a rich pantheon of deities here are some of the other main gods and goddesses: Obatalá: The god of creation and the protector of people with disabilities. He is associated with purity, wisdom, and compassion. He is often depicted in white garments. Ogun: The god of iron, war, and labour. He is a powerful warrior and a master of metalwork. Oshun: The goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She is associated with rivers and fresh water. Shango: The god of thunder, lightning, and fire. He is a powerful and temperamental deity, often depicted with a double-headed axe. He is also associated with drumming and dance. Yemoja (Yemaya): The goddess of the sea and motherhood. She is a nurturing mother figure who protects children and women. She is often depicted as a mermaid or a woman with flowing water around her. Esu (Eshu): The trickster god and messenger. He is known for his cunning and ability to create chaos. He also serves as a mediator between the gods and humans. Orunmila: The god of wisdom and divination. He is the deity of Ifá, the Yoruba system of divination as he brings knowledge and foresight.
AFRICAN RELIGION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 2011 - Excerpt from Gerard Besson Blog: The Caribbean History Archives “The retention of African traditions and religion has defined the lives of untold hundreds who have been the culture-bearers and the culture-sharers over the first two centuries of the African presence in this island. Such a person was a remarkable man called Carrie Nelson. A powerful African, leader, a Babalao, high priest, who was orthodox to a fine point. When I met him many years ago at Mayo, he had a large family, several sons, and daughters. They worked with him at the great “feasts,” serving in the various roles of the rituals. He was known as a diviner and a healer. J.D. Elder in a paper given during the Black History Week of 1987 remarked that he was a great organiser and was something of a missionary for the Orisha religion. It was he who along with his brother spread the religion into the Oropouche district during the migration of cocoa farmers from the Montserrat Valley during the serious famine of the 1930s. Up until the 1960s, there were shrines to Orisha divinities all through Fyzabad, Duncan Village and Bamboo Creek, all established as the result of his hard work. His Mayo Hill shrine was a centre piece from which radiated his powerful intentions. Elder recounts Nelson’s “mastery of the Orisha liturgy. From Indian Trail, the old Carib footpath, to Moruga Road, scores of devotees came to celebrate the yearly anniversaries to the powers. There were old people who come to talk on African religious practice, the Spiritual Baptist (John work), Independent Baptist (Mt. Elvin) and about the religious jubilees (spirituals) of the Fifth Company “Merikins” people. At that time, there were still people who could remember themselves as Haussa, Yoruba, Congo, and Ibo, retaining from one generation to the next traditions handed down. Dr. Elder recounts memories of the Congo priest Jeanvill Pierre, present with his large family at Shango feasts, ready to assist with the beating of the Bata drums for Shango. The memory of some of the most beautiful chants and orikis to Shango will forever stay with those who heard those lovely children sing that day, now so long ago.”
Trinidad Orisha is said to be known for its syncretic nature, blending traditional African religious practices with elements of other faiths. Nevertheless, the religion has played a crucial role in preserving African cultural heritage in the Caribbean.
ETHIOPIA and Rastafarianism
“Rastafari not a culture, it’s a reality.” - Bob Marley
Ethiopia’s role in the emancipation of enslaved people is quite unique and significant, especially considering its own history with slavery and its position as a symbol of African independence and resistance. Under Emperor Haile Selassie, Ethiopia campaigned for African independence and resistance against colonialism. Ethiopia remains the only successful African nation to resist colonialism. The country’s successful resistance against Italian colonization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries inspired many African and Caribbean leaders and movements. Ethiopia remained a beacon of hope to attain freedom.
The Rastafarian movement, emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, and had a profound cultural and spiritual impact on the Caribbean. Core Beliefs Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, is the incarnation of God (Jah) and the Messiah who will lead them to liberation. The term “Jah” is used to refer to God. Rastafarians believe in a single, all-powerful God who is present in all things. Repatriation: Many Rastafarians believe in the eventual return to Africa, which they consider their true homeland.
Practices and Rituals Hairstyle: The wearing of dreadlocks (natural hairstyle that uses no chemicals and is left to grow out) is a significant practice, symbolizing a covenant with Jah and a rejection of Babylonian culture (colonial). Ital Diet: This diet emphasizes natural and clean eating following a vegetarian or vegan diet, staying away from processed foods and alcohol. Use of Ganja: The use of marijuana (ganja) is considered a sacrament that aids in spiritual growth and meditation.
Cultural Elements Reggae Music: Reggae music, popularized by artists like Bob Marley, is associated with Rastafarianism as it carries a message of social justice and peace. Language: Rastafarians use a unique dialect known as “Iyaric,” which emphasizes positive speech and the unity of all people. For example, “I and I” is used instead of “we” to signify the presence of Jah within everyone.
Social and Political Views Pan-Africanism: This religion is heavily influenced by Pan-Africanism and the teachings of Marcus Garvey, who advocated for the empowerment and unity of African people worldwide. In addition to distancing themselves from the values of the western world that focuses on materialism, and oppression of people of African descent. This religion is unique in that it takes a political stand against oppression and speaks for people of African descent. It seeks black empowerment.
Religions in the Caribbean today that originated from the practices of enslaved Africans
Each tradition includes elements of resistance against colonialism, slavery, and cultural erasure, highlighting the resilience and strength of the African enslaved. These religions promote unity and collective empowerment. We can agree that African religions have had a profound and lasting impact on the Caribbean.
Chairman at CariFin Fitness Club
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