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The "Oriki" of Alajire
Overview
This piece is a Yoruba praise poem specifically addressing Alajire, the god of suffering and disease. The subject of this poem involves appreciating the might and wrath of Alajire. This praise-poem also recognizes that, through suffering, humans can gain wisdom and be strengthened through the suffering brought about by Alajire.
Alcheringa does not include a transcription of this praise poem in the original Yoruba language and I was unable to find a copy of the poem in the original language anywhere online.
Commentary
I found the repetition within the first three 'paragraphs' to be interesting and the pattern reminded me of a criticism, followed by a complement, perhaps to soften the blow and/or placate the subject of the criticism.
The first three 'paragraphs' begin with a plea from the speaker(s) of the poem.
"Alajire we ask you to be patient" "Alajire we ask you to be moderate" "Alajire we ask you not to be jealous"
The second lines of the first three 'paragraphs' are a claim or observation about a characteristic of the orisha, Alajire.
"You are very quick tempered" "You are wildly extravagant" "You are madly jealous"
Each of the first three paragraphs finish with a praise portion - as if to placate the god that, despite their observation about the orisha's quick temper and jealous disposition, they adore and worship Alajire for each of these attributes.
I also found it very interesting that Alajire is considered a wrathful deity who is believed to inflict diseases like smallpox and even AIDS as a punishment for wrongdoings, but is still seen as a guide to wisdom with the ability to teach the Yoruba people grace and strength through their suffering.
