It is no secret that Yorubaland is regarded as the home of twins — more twins are born among the Yoruba than almost anywhere else in the world. This phenomenon has made twins a powerful cultural and spiritual symbol in Yoruba society.
In Yoruba tradition, twins are not just seen as siblings; they are believed to carry mystical powers, blessings, and even a touch of divinity. Families blessed with twins are considered fortunate, and this joy is often expressed in songs, festivals, and oríkì (praise poetry).
This post is a tribute to all twins — an expression of how highly they are revered in Yoruba culture.
Oríkì Ìbejì (Twins’ Praise Poetry)
Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ ará ìṣokún
Ẹdúnjobí
Ọmọ ẹdun tíí ṣeré orí igi
Ọ́-bẹ́-kẹ́ṣé-bẹ́-kàṣà,
Ó fẹsẹ̀ méjèèjì bẹ sílé alákìísa;
Ó salákìísà donígba aṣọ.
Gbajúmọ̀ ọmọ tíí gbàkúnlẹ̀ ìyá,
Tíí gbàdọ̀bálẹ̀ lọ́wọ́ baba tó bí í lọ́mọ.
Wínrinwínrin lójú orogún
Ejìwọ̀rọ̀ lojú ìyá ẹ̀.
Tani o bi ibeji ko n’owo?
English Interpretation of the Oríkì Ìbejì
Every twin hails from Ìṣokún,
Children born in resemblance to monkeys,
Leaping and playing from tree to tree.
Jumping here and there,
You landed in a poor man’s home,
And turned his misfortune into wealth.
You are rare children,
Children that command respect and honour from their parents,
Even your father bows at your feet in admiration.
To the stepmother,
You may seem like a burden,
But to your mother,
You are emperors of two kingdoms.
Who wouldn’t wish to be blessed with twins?
The Cultural Significance of Twins in Yoruba Land
In Yoruba culture, twins (Ìbejì) are more than a biological phenomenon — they are spiritual gifts. The Yoruba believe that twins bring wealth, happiness, and good fortune to their families.
- Symbol of Blessings: A family with twins is often seen as blessed by the gods.
- Source of Prosperity: There’s a saying, “Tani o bí ìbejì kó ní owó?” meaning “Who gives birth to twins and isn’t blessed financially?”
- Special Worship: Twins have their own deity, Orìṣà Ìbejì, and are celebrated during festivals with songs, food, and prayers.
Why Yoruba Families Cherish Twins
Having twins in Yoruba land is not just a personal joy but a communal celebration. Families often hold naming ceremonies with grandeur, and special care is given to both the twins and their mother.
- They are believed to turn struggles into success.
- Twins are often dressed identically to show their spiritual bond.
- Parents of twins are accorded special respect in the community.
Wouldn’t You Love to Have Twins?
In Yoruba tradition, twins represent double joy, double wealth, and double blessings. They are adored, praised, and celebrated because they transform lives and homes.
If you have twins, cherish them — and if you don’t, you can still join in the admiration by learning their oríkì Ìbejì and appreciating the cultural heritage they embody.
