This table contains various Yorùbá terminology used in my blog posts and will continue to build over time.
Yoruba | Pronunciation | English Translation |
---|---|---|
Ábọrú Àbọyè Àbọṣíṣẹ | [ah-buh-roo] [ah-buh-yay] [ah-buh-she-shay] | Greeting to an Ifá Priest. “May our offerings be accepted; may we have long life; may our prayers manifest. |
Àṣẹ | [ah-sheh] | May it be so. |
Awo | [ah-wo] | Student of Ifá studies. |
Bàbá | [ba-ba] | Father |
Babaláwo | [baba-la-wo] | Male Ifá Priest. |
Ẹbọ | [eh-buh] | A ritual performed on the Opon Ifa tray. Ebo helps to manifest good results. |
Egúngún | [eh-goon-goon] | Spirit of our Ancestors in heaven. |
Ìbà | [ee-ba] | To pay homage |
Ibo | [ee-bo] | Offerings given to the Orisa. |
Ifá | [ee-fah] | Ifá is the messages of Olódùmarè (Almighty God) sent to the world and interpreted by Orunmila to the mankind. |
Ire | [ee-ray] | Blessings of good fortune |
Irúnmọlẹ̀ | [ee-roon-muh-leh] | The Orisa who came to earth from heaven |
Iṣe’fa | [ee-shay-fa] | Ceremony to receive one hand of Ifá |
Ìtẹ’fa | [ee-teh-fa] | Full initiation into the priesthood of Ifá |
Ìyá | [ee-ya] | Mother |
Mojùbà | [mo-ju-ba] | I pay homage |
Obì Kola Nut | [o-bee] [ko-la] | Used with offerings to Ifá/Orisa. Also used for divination. |
Odù | [o-du] | |
Iṣẹṣe | [ee-sheh-shay] | Isese refers to the cultural tradition and spiritual value among the Yoruba. The way of the ancestors. |
Ogbó Ató | [og-bo] [ah-to] | Response of blessings given by an Ifá Priest. Long life, in good health. |
Olódùmarè | [o-lo-doo-ma-ray] | God Almighty; The Most High |
Iyereosun | [ee-yeh-ray-o-soon] | Yellow powder used for Ifá divination on the Opon Ifá |
Opẹle | [o-pueh-lay] | Ifá divination tool |
Opon Ifá | [aw-pun ee-fah] | Ifá divination tray |
Eerindinlogun | Cell | Concerated cowrie shells used to perform divination |
Ìwuré | [ee-woo-ray] | Prayer |