Beware of the daughters of Oshún: What does the phrase 'before Yalorde descends in sharp words' mean?

Oshún is one of the most beloved and revered orishas within the Yoruba religion. She is known as the queen of rivers and the goddess of love, fertility, sensuality, and intelligence. However, she also has a strong character. She knows how to claim what is hers and set boundaries when necessary.

The title of Ìyálóòde, Iyalode or popularly Yalorde, means “Great Lady” or “Queen,” and it is the respectful way to refer to Oshún when acknowledging her power and hierarchy. She is not just sweetness and beauty. When necessary, she comes down serious, firm, and with reprimands that can be painful, like a sharp thorn.

What does the phrase "before Yalorde comes down in spikes" mean?

The reggaeton artist El Dray often uses the expression "manéjalo, before Yalorde comes down with jabs" in his songs. The phrase is becoming increasingly popular among Cubans, yet many are unaware of its deeper meaning, as it encompasses aspects of religion, dance, and social behavior.

When we say that “Yalorde brings down sharp jabs”, we refer to the energy of this deity that arrives with strength, demanding, correcting, and using firm, indirect words that punish, in other words, "throwing jabs". It is the severe manifestation of a goddess who does not tolerate disobedience.

How do the daughters of Oshún dance and celebrate Yalorde?

The Cuban dancer and teacher Ismaray Chacón Tejeda, daughter of Oshún, residing in Spain, spoke with CiberCuba about this topic.

"Bajar en puya does not refer to Oshún looking beautiful at the moment the saint is mounted, but rather that she comes down sternly, with reprimands or punishments that will make you pay for any imprudence you may have committed. (...) There are no patakis where Oshún dances in puyas. The orishas are danced barefoot, without shoes, to connect with ancestral energy, with the energy of the earth."

Dancing in heels implies an attitude, a specific posture in dance. You have to look elegant, but also strong, energetic, and upright. In Yoruba religion, people think that Oshún is only laughter and carefree behavior, but in reality, when there is disobedience, she is one of the deities that punishes the most severely," said the dancer.

The daughters of Oshún are pure energy

For at least eight years, images of Ismaray wearing a beautiful Oshún outfit have gone viral on social media. However, many Cubans do not know who is the person behind those photos.

"My photos showcasing the Oshún outfit became very popular. People share them on social media without even knowing who I am. I don't earn money from this, but I do find satisfaction in knowing they are used to celebrate this Yoruba deity who is my mother."

In addition to her work as a dancer, Ismaray Chacón runs an academy in Spain where she teaches Afro-Cuban dances, salsa, timba, rumba, and other Latin rhythms. Her work as a teacher helps to keep Cuban roots alive and encourages more people to explore the strength of Yoruba culture.

The next time you hear the phrase “Yalorde baja en puyas”, you’ll know it’s more than just a saying. It’s how we remember that sweetness can also be strong, and that the queen of the river, while smiling, will step in to restore order if necessary. Beware of the sharp laughter of Oshún's daughters.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oshún and its Significance in Cuban Culture