Odinani

Uncommon card · No. 163268

Odinani (), also known as Odinala, Omenala, Odinana, and Omenana (Igbo: Ọdịnanị/Ọ̀dị̀nàlà [ɔ̀dɪ̀nàlà]), is the traditional cultural belief and practice of the Igbo people of South East and South South Nigeria. These terms, as used here in the Igbo language, are synonymous with the traditional Igbo "religious system" which was not considered separate from the social norms of ancient or traditional Igbo societies. Theocratic in nature, spirituality played a huge role in their everyday lives. Although it has largely been syncretised with Catholicism, the indigenous belief system remains in strong effect among the rural, village and diaspora populations of the Igbo. Odinani beliefs were incorporated into the African diaspora religions of Haitian Voodoo, Obeah, Santeria and Candomblé. Odinani is a pantheistic and polytheistic faith, having a strong central deity at its head. All things spring from this deity. Although a pantheon of other gods and spirits, these being Ala, Amadiọha, Anyanwụ...

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