Yoruba religion facts for kids

Yoruba religion is a traditional West African religion, mainly from Nigeria. It is the religion of the Yoruba people. It has influenced some off-shoot religious groups. It is nowadays a minority religion. A central idea behind the Yoruba religion is that natural objects, like trees, rivers, stones, and iron have a spiritual existence.

The Yoruba religion has had great influence among black people in Cuba, many of whom are Yoruba descendants. It has some usage in other Caribbean islands, and in the United States. In Cuba the religion is known locally as regla d'ocha, (meaning 'the way of the spirits'). Santería is a slightly wider term referring to the merging ("syncretism") of African spirits and Catholic saints. Adherents in countries like Cuba may be received into the Catholic church and initiated into the Yoruban religion, sometimes on successive days.

Images for kids

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  A Yemoja devotee in Nigeria

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  An Egungun masquerade dance garment in the permanent collection of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis