Arusi

Arusi are spirits that are worshipped and served in the Igbo religion. There are many different kinds of Arusi and each has its own purpose and function.^[1]

Ancestors

The Igbo ancestral world is divided into several interconnected realms, principal among them being the realm of the living, the realm of the dead or of the ancestors, and the realm of the unborn. Individuals who led an honorable life and received a proper burial proceeded to the ancestral realm to take their place among the ancestors ("Ndichie"), who are separate from the Arusi. From there they kept a watchful eye on the clan and visited their loved ones among the living with blessings such as fertility, good health, longevity, and prosperity. In gratitude the living offered sacrifices to them at the family hearth, and sought their counsel.

Arusi worship

Each major Arusi has a priest in every town that honors it, and the priest is assisted by a group of acolytes and devotees.

Children and Arusi

Children are still considered the greatest blessing of all and this is reflected in popular names such as Nwakaego; a child is worth more than money or Arawakan; no wealth is worthier than a child, or Nwabuugwu; a child is the greatest honor. In a small part of Igboland (Imo and Abia states- Mba-area), women who successfully deliver ten children are rewarded with special celebrations and rites that honor their hips. Infertility is considered a particularly harsh misfortune. The Igbo believe that it is children who perpetuate the tribe, and in order to do so children are expected to continue Igbo tradition and ways. Parts of Igbo divinities is Agwu, the alusi of health and divination. Agwu is a concept used by the Igbo to explain and understand: good and evil, health and sickness, fortune and misfortune.^[2]

Pantheon

Ala
Ikenga
Igwe (Sky Father, also known as Igwekaala in some areas)
Anyanwu
Osimmiri, deity of the primordial ocean
Nne Mmiri/Nmụọ Mmiri, sea goddess who brings wealth, protection, and healing
Idemmili, river goddess
Agwu, god of health, divination and medicine
Ahobinagu, wildlife god
Ahia Njoku
Amadioha
Ekwensu
Njoku Ji or Ahiajioku, god of agriculture and production
Ogbunabali
Alusi Okija
Agbala, prophet of the Igbos
Ibini Ukpabi, Arochukwu god of justice and truth
Eke, Orie/Oye, Afo, Nkwo, embodiments of the days of the week in the Igbo calendar

References

^ "Igbo Standing male Colonial figure (Alusi) 3 FEET - Africa Direct". Archived from the original on 2006-10-30. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
^ "Religion and the Igbo People". Archived from the original on 2008-09-13. Retrieved 2008-08-18.

[1] "Igbo Standing male Colonial figure (Alusi) 3 FEET - Africa Direct". Archived from the original on 2006-10-30. Retrieved 2008-08-21.

[2] "Religion and the Igbo People". Archived from the original on 2008-09-13. Retrieved 2008-08-18.

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