This beautiful baobab tree called IGI-OSE in Yoruba.

This beautiful baobab tree called IGI-OSE in Yoruba.


Did you know that this tree is the majestic icon of Africa and has been the heart of many African traditions and medicines.

The baobab is a prehistoric tree species that preceded humankind and division of continents by more than 200 million years. It's a symbol of life, positivity, longevity and fertility (in ancient Yoruba culture). These trees can live up to 5000 years or more. 

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE YORUBA IN ANCIENT TIMES OFTEN CONDUCTED MARRIAGES UNDER THESE TREE AS EMBLEM OF BLESSINGS AND PROSPERITY i.e., THIS WAS WHEN MARRIAGES WERE CALLED "soYIGI", and not IGBEYAWO. THE MANNER OF "soYIGI" IS ALMOST ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TO THE WAY IGBEYAWO IS BEING CONDUCTED TODAY. APART FROM ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE, IGI-OSE CAN PROVIDE SHELTER, FOOD, WATER AND MEDICINE FOR HUMANS IN A VILLAGE AND THEIR ANIMALS.

WHEN next YOU SEE A BAOBAB TREE, PLEASE DO NO HARM TO THEM AND "OLUWERE" [the divine spirit/energy of trees or plant life would bless you. Ase!

Ogun Orishaluabi



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