THE HISTORY OF YEMAYA

Who Is Yemaya?

Yemaya is the Orisha of motherhood, and the keeper of all wealth — our waste is her treasure, and what is lost may be reclaimed with her help. She is found in the ocean, in the crests of waves breaking against shore and rock, and it is through the sea that she receives offerings and sacrifices. In this same way she builds and destroys, granting blessings or withdrawing them.

Everything taken from rivers and streams eventually belongs to Yemaya — all waste and offerings are ultimately carried out to the ocean and sea. As the Yoruba say, "Nobody knows what is in the bottom of the sea." Her destructive force takes the form of waves, drawn by the moon and the wind together — yet this same cycle, death giving rise to life, holds the world in balance.

Family and Relationships

Yemaya is regarded as mother of Chango — and where she is not his blood mother, she is loved as one (some traditions hold that Obatala bore Chango and had to give him up, as he was born of sin). Yemaya gave birth to the 16 Orishas. She is owner of the waters and represents the sea, the fundamental source of life. She has been wife to Babalú Ayé, Agayú, Orula, and Oggún. Her colors are blue and white.

She is fierce, unyielding, and clever, skilled with hunting and machete work. Her punishments are severe and her anger formidable — but always just. Tradition holds that her name should never be spoken by someone who carries her without first touching the earth with their fingertips and kissing the trace of dust left behind.

In the Diloggún, Yemaya speaks through Oddí (7), and her day is Saturday. There is only one Yemaya, expressed through seven caminos.

The Caminos of Yemaya

• Awoyó — the eldest, dressed in the richest garments, wearing seven skirts to war and defend her children; adorns herself with Olokun's ornaments and crowns herself with the rainbow, Ochumare
• Akuara — of two waters, found where a river meets her sister Oshún; lives in fresh water, a joyful dancer who tends the sick and prepares remedies
• Okuté — pale blue, found among coastal reefs, "gatekeeper of Olokun"; in this camino she is wife to Oggún, the god of war and iron, sharing his offerings both at sea and in the wild bush
• Konla — of the sea foam, found in the undertow, wrapped in linen; associated with ships and their propellers
• Achabá — dangerous, wise, and willful, wearing a silver chain at the ankle; wife to Orula, whose word she always upholds
• Asesú — messenger of Olokun, associated with murky waters; receives her offerings in the company of the dead
• Mayaleo (Mayalewo) — dwells in forest springs, closely resembling her sister Oshún Ikolé in her sorcery, with close ties to Oggún

Attributes and Tools

Yemaya's attributes include the sun, full moon, anchor, life preserver, boat, seven oars, seven silver rings, and star — traditionally rendered in silver, steel, tin, or lead. She carries an iruke (horsehair whisk) adorned with blue and white beads, and a fan with mother-of-pearl and gold ribbing, decorated with beads and shells.

Necklaces and Clothing

Yemaya's necklace varies by camino — clear glass beads for most caminos, pale blue for Achabá, and dark blue with opal or soap-glass beads for Asesú. She wears a gown trimmed with blue and white streamers evoking sea and foam, a wide fabric sash, and a diamond-shaped breastplate over the navel.

Traditional Offerings

Offerings to Yemaya include ram, rooster, dove, banana, turtle, duck, hen, parrot, goose, and quail.

Honor Yemaya

Whether you're beginning your path with Yemaya or deepening a lifelong devotion, Nelstar Services has provided authentic Santeria and Lucumı́ supplies since 2003. Explore our Yemaya beaded necklaces, browse soperas, or find full guidance in our Orisha Center.