Understanding Egungun: The Living Presence of the Ancestors
Egungun (Egun) is a Yoruba term meaning “ancestor” or “the collective ancestral spirits.” In traditional Yoruba spirituality, death is not viewed as an ending but as a transition from the visible world into the ancestral realm.
The Egungun represent:
- Family ancestors
- Community ancestors
- Spiritual elders
- Protectors of the lineage
- Custodians of wisdom and tradition
The Yoruba teach that those who lived honorable lives may become revered ancestors who continue to guide and bless their descendants.