Discover the characteristics and qualities of Iemanjá – Blog

Iemanjá is one of the most popular and celebrated Orixás in Brazil. Even people of other religions make offerings and rituals to the Queen of the Sea in the new year and on February 2nd. But do you know the characteristics and qualities of Yemanjá? Learn more about this powerful and loving being.

History of Yemanja

Its name comes from the Yoruba expression “Yèyé omo ejá”, which means “mother whose children are fish”. According to African history, Iemanjá was the daughter of Olokun, owner of the sea. She was the mother of many children, but she was tired of the life she led in Ifé and decided to flee to Abeokutá, where she met King Okerê. The two were married, but on one condition: that the king never make fun of his wife’s full breasts. One day, Okerê drank too much and molested Iemanjá, who called him a worthless drunk. The husband kicked his wife’s breasts and mocked them, making Yemanjá cry. She cried so much that her eyes shed tumultuous tears that took everything away: home, husband, children, animals, in short, the entire city. Since then, she has lived at the bottom of the sea, far from men, reigning over her empire of shells and fish.

Therefore, one of the main characteristics and qualities of Iemanjá is being the queen of the seas and waters, protecting fishermen and jangadeiros. As the mother of almost all the Orixás, she represents fertility and motherhood.

What are the characteristics and qualities of Iemanjá?

Originally, Iemanjá was represented by a woman with dark skin and huge breasts. Her image was transformed with religious syncretism, which gave her an image with more European standards so that the Church felt comfortable with her existence. What remained, however, was the calm but determined countenance.

Yemanjá rules our homes, houses and family. It brings unity between people, whether they are linked by blood or not. It is at meetings, birthdays, wedding parties and family celebrations, bringing love and harmony to everyone.

At the time of delivery, she is the one who supports the baby’s head, so that everything goes well at birth. It stimulates not only the generation of children, but also creativity, the development of ideas, love and well-being.

Other important characteristics and qualities of Iemanjá are present in the fact that she welcomes everyone with open arms, without judging or minimizing anyone’s problem. Always willing to help, the Queen of the seas has the doors of her home open to anyone who has faith. She is the one who conveys kindness, trust and gives good advice. It manifests in our need to know that those we love are safe and well.

It has a great power of seduction. According to legend, she sings to seduce fishermen who, following her voice, end up at the bottom of the sea, from where they don’t leave.

Now that you know some characteristics and qualities of Iemanjá, you can think about your next requests, focusing your energy on the family and harmony at home. Surely, this powerful Orisha will answer your prayers.

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