- Ala (mythology)
Ala, also known as Ale, Alla and Ane/Ani (Igbo: Earth), in
Igbo mythology is thegoddess offertility and Earth Mother, who also rules theunderworld . Her name literally translates to 'Ground' which establishes her as the power of the earth and ground. This makes Ala the highest Goddess of the Igbo people of Nigeria.Power
It is said that if a person commits a
taboo in a community, that they have also desecrated or insulted Ala as the abomination (called ajo njo or Aru Ala) was committed on her earth. Ala is also responsible for many aspect of Igbo society, as well as guardianship of women and children in general. It is also believed that she can beChukwu 's wife or daughter. She is often depicted with a small child in her arms and her symbol is the crescentmoon . It is believed that the souls of the dead reside in her sacredwomb .All in the community have to respect Ala as everybody lives on ala, the earth. It was sometimes believed that Ala could swallow you up into the underground.Ala is still worshipped by the Igbo of
Nigeria and is annually paid homage to during theYam festival .ee also
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Igbo mythology
*Igbo people
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