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One interesting part of the Osun Osogbo festival is the elaborate hairstyles made by the women in attendance.

3 hairstyles dedicated to Ọṣun goddess and their hidden meanings | Pulse Nigeria

Temi Iwalaiye

In <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/7-old-african-hairstyles-that-are-coming-back-in-vogue/flxdfrh">Yoruba culture,</a> a woman’s hair is regarded as her beauty.

According to Yoruba mythology, Osun was the first deity to use a comb, and she is also the first hairdresser.

She is associated with femininity and beauty like her priestesses.

The Yoruba saying "A kii di irun tabi ge irun leyin olori," translated as "One does not plait or cut a person's hair without the consent of the owner of the head," implies that a <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/best-braided-hairstyles-for-women-girls-kids/pg6j1rz">person's hair</a> represents their identity.

Every August, Osogbo celebrates the annual Osun Osogbo festival, which draws thousands of worshippers and tourists from Nigeria and beyond.

The festival takes place around the sacred grove of the river goddess Osun.

The Iya Osun and her messengers make three major hairstyles:

Agogo hairstyle worn by an Osun priestess [Marvellousdurowaiye/superstock]

Agogo (cockscomb) is also a hairstyle designed to resemble a cockscomb.

Women who wear this style signify that they are either married or priestesses in a cult (such as Sango, Osun, Esu, or Oya).

The Àgògo cuts represents leadership, responsibility, pride, and the preservation of history and tradition among Olorisha, a group of devotees who honour their ancestors.

It is exclusive to initiates and is not meant for everyone.

The hairdo, embellished with parrot feathers, cowrie shells, brass or golden hair sticks, gold or red dust, beads, and jewellery, is said to be kept for special events and should not be worn at all times.

Adimo Eyin worn by an Osun priestess [Shuttershock]

Adìmo Eyín is a phrase in the Yoruba language, which roughly translates to "egg treasure" or "precious egg" in English.

The egg shape of the "Adìmo Eyín" hairstyle represents fertility, creation, and caring attributes connected with Ọṣun.

This hairdo is not only a tribute to the goddess but also a representation of her attributes and benefits.

Osun priestess wearing a shuku hairstyle [Shuttershock]

This is a popular hairstyle in Yoruba culture, and it means basket.

This hairstyle is made with braids coming together to the middle of the head.

There are different variations of this hairstyle at the festival. It is purely for fashion and has no deeper meaning.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/best-braided-hairstyles-for-women-girls-kids/pg6j1rz">Braids That Slay: 5 best braid hairstyles for women and girls</a>

Finally, cowries and beads are used during festivals to depict not only fashion but also hair prepared for deities (orisa).

3 hairstyles dedicated to Ọṣun goddess and their hidden meanings

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