A steep path leads to Dhein's Bay, a much sought-after bathing locale in Carenage. Feeling the sun's warmth, worshippers from the Egbe Onisin Eledumare Church, Petit Valley, made the 8 am trek for the Olokun Festival, yesterday. Two children were already enjoying the feel of the cool water. Sitting in the shade of an almond tree, a group of women chatted. A few minutes later, a maxi taxi pulled up. Decked in flowing red garments, another group of women disembarked, greeting fellow worshippers.
Miniature djimbe goat skin drums were stacked together. Eventually, they would pound out a sustained rhythm on the heart of Olukun. Devotee Omi Dotun (Water) explained the signilficance of worshipping and paying homage to the ocean. He said: "It is about paying homage to Olukun. We have to pay tribute to the sea. Prayers will be recited. We will be performing rituals on the beach." Chiming in, another gentleman Egbe Osin Alumdumare said a tray laden with fruit and vegetables was offered to mighty Olukun. He added: "We will be putting corn, yams and provisions in a tray and bearing gifts to the ocean. Olukun is found in the depths of the ocean."
About Olukun
Olokun is worshipped in both male and female personifications, depending on the West African region. Olokun is personified in patience, endurance, observation, wisdom, history and future visions. Olokun is the patron saint of Africans who were carried away during the Maafa, or the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Olokun signifies unfathomable wisdom. That is, the instinct that there is something worth knowing, perhaps more than can ever be learned, especially the spiritual sciences that explain birth, life, death and afterlife.
Olokun also governs material wealth, psychic abilities, dreaming, meditation, mental health and water-based healing. Olokun is one of many Orisa known to help women that desire children. People who want to maintain power or desire political ascension also worship Olokun.
