What does Aboru Aboye Abosise mean?
Many have heard people say these three words regularly. But most have no idea what the words mean. The language being spoken or why its being said. If this is you please continue to read as we will explain the origins of the word and how and why it it used.
What does Aboru Aboye Abosise mean?
Etymology
From Blend of àbọ (“sacrifice”) + rú (“to make a sacrifice”) + àbọ (“sacrifice”) + yè (“to live”) + àbọ (“sacrifice”) + ṣíṣẹ (“to work”).
Translation
This translates to “May our sacrifice be successful and bring life, may our sacrifice do what it was intended to do”.
Language Origin?
The Language being used is Yoruba. Yoruba language is widely spoken all over the world but originated in Africa specifically in West Africa in the regions of Togo, Benin, Nigeria Côte d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone and the Gambia just to name a few. It's spoken by over 50 Fifty Million People around the world.
Odu
In Odu Ogunda Meji, there is a story of Orunmila who needed to consult Olodumare; however this would be no easy task. As Oludumare is far removed from earthy affairs and not easily accessible and no one could get to Olodumare without meeting the three prominent women at the door that lead to Olodumare. These three woman are said to be the daughters of Olodumare who's job's are to guard the door that leads Olodumare. These important and powerful women are the Iyami. Orunmila knew very well that he would have to through them before gaining access to Olodumare. As usual Orunmila did a consultation and made sacrifices in three different places. Post his consultation he was told to bring the three women gifts and he complied. The Iyami were so surprised, excited and happy that they decided to assist Orunmila in meeting Olodumare.
Orunmila saw just how powerful these women are and decided to ask for their hand in marriage which they accepted . Since then Orunmila asserted that anyone who wants to see a Babalawo or Iyanifa must first greet Aboru, Aboye and Abosise, which is the name of the women that are now his wives.
Conculsion
Whenever you greet a Babalawo or ìyánífá, you should honor the request of Orunimila by acknowledging the daughters of Olodumare, the powerful women Olodumare chose to guard the door, the wives of Orunmila. By stating their sacred names Aboru, Aboye Aoysise.
In response the Babalawo or ìyánífá will respond to you by saying Ogbo ato asure iwori wofun. Which means I give respect and salutations to all those important women in the whole world, Ifa bless you all. May You have Long Life and Good Health, with the blessings of Ifa.
This greeting is widely used by initiates, practitioners and devotees of Ifá.