Ebo in Yoruba Spirituality: Meaning and Rituals

Ebo in Yoruba spirituality is an offering of food or drink to honor ancestors or deities. It often involves preparing what the spirit favored in life. For example, giving your late father’s favorite drink on his birthday and sharing it with guests is a form of ebo. This practice can take many shapes. The ritual slaughter of a ram, or an American Thanksgiving turkey, also counts as ebo. Each spirit has its own favorites. Ogun Alara prefers dog meat, while Ogun Ajero drinks palm wine. Offerings are placed where Esu stands between the material world and the spirit realm. Spirits do not eat physically, but seeing their favorite offering pleases them. The sight alone is an act of respect. Ebo can also mean charity to animals. IFA teaches that animals play a role in spiritual ascent. Feeding hungry creatures is the final step in the ritual debate. It shows compassion and completes the ebo.

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