YEMAYA
Yoruba Childbirth Goddess
Also known as Iamanjie, Yemanja, Yemayah, Yembo, Yemoja, Yemonja, Yemowo
The Mother of Water and Childbirth
Her stylish blue and crystal skirts billow in wave-like motions. One of the Orishas, she is a sensuous, slow-moving figure, just like the water she represents. Very calm and soothing for birthing situations. But she has a curious aversion to salt — so she will float over the ocean but not in it.
Yemaya is also a Moon Goddess and the number seven has special significance for her.
We don’t like to gossip, but her husband Obatala has a shady past — he created mankind under less than reputable circumstances. Still, that’s all water under the bridge now.
Yemaya Facts and Figures
Name: Yemaya
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Iamanjie, Yemanja, Yemayah, Yembo, Yemoja, Yemonja, Yemowo
Gender: Female
Type: Goddess
Area or people: Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role:
In charge of: Birth
Area of expertise: Childbirth
Good/Evil Rating: GOOD, quite approachable
Popularity index: 35864
Cite this article
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Article last revised on May 19, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.