Abiku is a Yoruba word that can be translated as "predestined to death" and refers to the spirit of a child who dies young. It is from (abi) "that which was born" and (iku) "death".

Dec 5, 2024 · The article delves into the myth and concept of the Yoruba spirits called, Abiku, (born to die). By exploring cultural concepts and modern perspectives, the article aims to shed more light on one of Africa's most enigmatic phenomenon.

Abikus are children who have been born for a time after dying voluntarily and are considered spiritual beings. In other words, it is said that they complete the cycle of death and rebirth over and over again and that sometimes it is the same child who is born several times in the family.

The Concept of Abiku TIMOTHY MOBOLADE According to the custom of the Yorubas, an Abiku is any child who dies and is reborn several times into the same family; hence, the life-span of an Abiku is characteristically very short indeed. Owing to the ephemeral nature of its life, an Abiku com-pletes several consecutive life-cycles with one mother. Prac-

Sep 10, 2024 · One of the most intriguing concepts within Yoruba spirituality is that of the Abiku, often referred to as spirit-children. These entities embody the dual nature of existence, blending life and death in a manner that challenges conventional understanding.

Aug 21, 2024 · The comparison between the Yoruba belief in the Abiku and modern theories of reincarnation highlights the diversity of perspectives on the soul’s journey through multiple lifetimes.

In the heart of Nigeria, within the tapestry of Yoruba mythology, lives a being both feared and enigmatic—the Abiku. Unlike many mythological creatures, the Abiku does not have a defined physical form.

Jan 23, 2024 · AbIKu In Yoruba mythology, Abiku is a term that refers to the spirits of children who die before reaching puberty. Etymology of Abiku. abiku is from abi (that which possesses) and iku (death) and means predestined to death. A child who dies before twelve years of age is called an Abiku as well as the spirit, or spirits, who caused his death.

Jun 11, 2017 · Abiku. ORIGIN: Yoruba. The Abiku appear in two varieties: • Some are vicious perpetrators. • Some are liminal souls hovering between realms. The same word is used to denote various beings; what unites them is child mortality. The first type of Abiku is a nocturnal, insatiably hungry, vampiric spirit: it consumes the life-force, killing its ...

The Abiku and Emere Spirits The word Abiku means to die before time (usually before the parent). Emere is a spirit in disguise, misrepresenting death as life. The Yoruba believe that Emere causes Abiku, but not all Emere are Abiku. Emere is related to Egbe but can be seen in more than one Egbe group. The Emere that are not