Revered for her sensuality, beauty, love, posperity and fertility. Oshun, also spelt as osun in yoruba language (ochún or oxúm in Latin) was known to be generous and kind goddess with a touch of hidden tempestuous temper which rarely come to the surface. Just as Venus is to the Romans, osun is the love goddess of the Yoruba people of the South Western part of Nigeria extending to other part of west Africa and some part of South America.
Oshun was depicted as a young beautiful and charming woman with a deep love for shining and glittering ornaments like gold, beads, mirrors, elaborate clothing and fan which explains why she is always associated with colours like yellow, amber and gold.
Loved by all not only for benevolence but she was acclaimed as protector of the poor, helper of the sick, provider to the orphans and mother to all. She delighted all the senses with artistry, sensual, dance steps and she was said to possess unmatchable cooking skills that made her favourite of her husband, Shango (or Sango) the god of thunder, among other wives.
Oshun possessed fertility and healing power, including power of prosperity. She was vast in agriculture and had great business acumen. She learnt mysticism and the act of divination from her father Obatala, the first created diety. Her elder sister was Yemaja, the goddess of salt water and she was married to the god of thunder, Shango.
Centuries ago, Some group of hunters led by Larooye in search of water settled near a river, now known as osun river in present day osun state in Nigeria. These hunters who were preparing the ground for their settlement and new planting season fell a tree into river. Immediately they heard a woman voice saying "Gbogbo ikoko mi leti go tan" (meaning; you have broken all my dye pot). Latoroye with other powerful men in the community pacified the goddess of the river, which was discovered to be oshun and made a pact to be worshipping her annually in exchange for their staying in the community.
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Oshun is still been honoured annually with very elaborate festival. People from Nigeria and abroad gather annually for the 12 day festival offering worship, sacrifice to Oshun river and then draw from the river. The water is believed to have medicinal power, brings prosperity, fertility and good luck.
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