10 Powerful Facts About Egúngún: The Yoruba Ancestral Deity You Should Know

In Yoruba spirituality, Egúngún represents the deified ancestors—those who have passed on but remain deeply connected to the living. According to Ifá teachings, the ancestors are not gone—they continue to watch over, protect, and guide their descendants. Egungun is both a spiritual force and a sacred tradition that links families to their roots, culture, and divine lineage.

If you're exploring Yoruba tradition, African spirituality, or Ifá, here are 10 essential facts about Egungun that every devotee and curious seeker should know.

1. Egúngún Are Active in the Lives of the Living

Egúngún are believed to remain part of the extended family, guiding and influencing the destiny of their descendants. They offer spiritual support in matters of health, prosperity, safety, and ancestral blessings.

2. Egúngún Must Be Fed Regularly for Protection and Blessings

Feeding the Egungun (both maternal and paternal) helps maintain their presence and support. This spiritual offering ensures continued guidance, protection, fertility, wealth, and all forms of “Ire” (blessings).

3. How Often Should Egungun Be Fed?

Traditionally, Egungun should be fed at least twice a year. Some families feed them more frequently, depending on specific ancestral instructions or family customs.

4. Egungun Manifest Through Masquerades

Egungun appear as masquerades, often called "Ara Orun Kinkin"—meaning “Inhabitants of the Heavenly Realm.” These colorful, energetic performances are not mere entertainment—they are ritualistic appearances of ancestral spirits in public.

5. Symbols of Egungun

The sacred symbols of Egungun include:

Decorated switches and whips

“Aso Iyamoje” – a hand-woven coarse cloth

Special footwear and socks for the masquerade

These items carry spiritual significance and help embody the ancestral force during ceremonies.

6. Taboos of Egungun Worship

Respect for Egungun comes with strict taboos, such as:

No palm wine or palm kernel oil

Women are not permitted to enter Egungun shrines

Obatala devotees must not carry Egungun masquerades

The face of the Egungun must never be seen

Egungun masquerades must not enter blacksmith workshops

7. Three Traditional Postures for Feeding Egungun

Egungun can be fed in any of the following positions:

Kneeling

Sitting

Bending forward

These postures show reverence and humility before the ancestral spirit.

8. Feeding a Specific Ancestor

When honoring a specific ancestor, all ritual materials must be taken to their tomb site for the ceremonial offering. The ritual is performed in accordance with the guidance of Ifá divination.

9. Types of Egungun Masquerades

There are different types of Egungun with distinct functions and appearances:

Egungun Elérù – carries symbolic loads

Egungun Olópon – with a large headdress

Egungun Janduku – switch-wielding warriors

Egungun Alaté (Tombolo) – known for their elaborate robes

Hunters' Egungun (Egungun Ode) – spiritual embodiment of ancestral hunters

Others include Gelede and Ààbé masquerades for cultural and feminine-centered festivals

10. Egungun Feeding Materials

Offerings to Egungun typically include:

Kolanut and bitter kola

Gin or traditional liquor

Ram

Swallow foods like pounded yam or amala

Each item symbolizes honor, sustenance, and spiritual gratitude.

�� Final Thoughts: Why Egungun Worship Matters

Honoring Egungun is more than just tradition—it's a way to connect with ancestral energy, heal generational wounds, and preserve African spirituality in its purest form. For Ifá practitioners and Yoruba traditionalists, keeping a relationship with Egungun is a sacred obligation.

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Aboru Aboye Abosise.