19/03/2014
Yemanja is such an integral part of the Brazilian culture. She is the source of all waters, especially those from West Africa. As all life is thought to have begun in the sea, all life begins with Yemanja. She is the mother whom many feel are watching over them, blessing them with her salty ocean waves. She offers an abundance of life, food, healthy children and protection. She is represented by cowrie shells and the colours blue and white. She is said to wear seven skirts to represent the seven seas. She does not easily loose her temper but when angered she can be quite destructive, like the ocean. She is also recognised in the Cuban and Haitian cultures as Yemaya, and associated with mermaid spirits. Many songs, rhythms and dances are devoted to her and she is honoured world wide on the 2nd of February by offering gifts of flowers to the ocean, this is food for our blessings. Next time you visit the ocean, you can contemplate this vast mother energy.
