Ochun

In Yoruba religious belief as in Santeria, Oshun is an Orisha of love, maternity and marriage.

In one story, she had to become a prostitute to feed her children and the other Orishas removed her children from her home. Oshun went insane from grief and wore the same white dress every day; it eventually turned yellow. Aje'-Shaluga, another Orisha, fell in love with her while she was washing her dress. He gave her money and gems which he collected from the bottom of the river he lived in. They were married and she was reunited with her children.

She is associated with the color yellow, metals gold and copper, peacock feathers, mirrors, and anything of beauty.

Ochun is the patron saint of Cuba, where she is also know by the name "La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre."

Alternative: Caridad, Oxum, Ochún, Oşun, Oshun

Afro-American Religions

Religions: Candomblé • Hoodoo • Kumina • Obeah • Palo • Quimbanda • Santería (Lukumí) • Umbanda • Vodou

Deities: Babalu Aye • Eshu • Iansan • Obàtálá • Ogoun • Ọlọrun • Orunmila • Ọṣun • Shango • Yemaja

Roots: Ifá, Oriṣa (Yorùbá) • Lwa (Dahomey) • Nkisi (Kongo) • Catholicism (Spain, Portugal)

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