View source for Oshun

== Worship ==
[[File:Oxum Ekodide.jpg|thumb|The [[Yoruba religion|Yoruba]] goddess ''Oshun'' is sometimes [[syncretised]] with the Virgin Mary by [[Santeria]] believers of the Yoruba religion.]]

=== Yorubaland ===
Oshun is the divine patroness of the [[Osun River]] in Nigeria, which bears her name. The river has its source in [[Ekiti State]] in the west of Nigeria and passes through the city of [[Oshogbo|Osogbo]], where [[Osun-Osogbo|Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove]], the principal sanctuary of the deity, is located.<ref name="Murrell2010" /> Oṣun is honored at the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a two-week-long annual festival that usually takes place in August, at the Oṣun-Osogbo Sacred Grove on the banks of the river.<ref name="OkayAfrica2015" /><ref name="en" />

=== Brazil ===
Ọshun was adopted into [[Afro-Brazilian religion]]s, retaining her role as the goddess of love, beauty, and waters, with the addition of power over wealth and prosperity. Followers seek help for romantic problems from Oshun; the orishá is also responsible for marriage and other relationships. As the orishá of financial life, she is also called the "Lady of Gold". This referred to copper at one time for being the most valuable metal of the time. Oshun is worshiped at rivers and waterfalls, and more rarely, near mineral water sources. She is a symbol of sensitivity and is identified by weeping.<ref name="en" />

===Candomblé===
In [[Candomblé]] Bantu, Oshun is called Nkisi Ndandalunda, the Lady of Fertility and Moon. Hongolo and Kisimbi have similarities with Oshun, and the three are often confused.

In Candomblé Ketu, Oshun is the deity of fresh water; the patron of gestation and fecundity; and receives the prayers of women who wish to have children and protect them during pregnancy. Osun also protects small children until they begin to speak; she is affectionately called "Mamãe" ("Mama") by her devotees.<ref name="en"/> Plants associated with Osun in Brazil are aromatic, sweet, and often yellow, reflecting the qualities of the Orisha. They include mints (''Lamiacaea''). Osun is associated with the folha-de-dez-réis (''Hydrocotyle cybelleta''), a plant of the pennywort family. Many species are brilliant yellow, reflecting Osun's association with gold and wealth. She is also associated with folha-da-fortuna, or ''Kalanchoe pinnata''.<ref name="al" />