Ẹ̀mị̀lalẹ̀
name
/ɛ̀.mɪ̃̀.lā.lɛ̀/
Ẹ̀mị̀nialẹ̀ (alternative), Ẹlẹ́mị̀lalẹ̀ (alternative)
Definitions
- a divinity and spirit of the Earth worshipped mainly by the Eastern Yoruba people. It is regarded as a divinity of prosperity, fertility, as well as the protector, guardian, and origin of the land, each town has its own beliefs and forms of Ẹ̀mị̀lalẹ̀.
Etymology
Cognate with Igbo Ọmenala (“Igbo culture”), Igbo òmenàànị̀. From ẹ̀mị̀ + ni + alẹ̀ (“ground, earth”) + is, literally “Ẹ̀mị̀ is the ground” This term likely predates the concept of òrìṣà and the modern concept of the Yoruba religion, and points to the overarching beliefs of the Proto-Yoruboid and Igboid people.
Component words
ẹ̀mị̀
ni
2 entries are spelled “ni”, and the etymology doesn't say which one this word is built from — we've linked to the first.
ni
to be (to have a quality or identification)
ni
to be bloated, to be tumid
alẹ̀ground, earthis
Source: Wiktionary,
where this word is spelled “Ẹmilalẹ”.
Reference:
en-Ẹmilalẹ-yo-name-SCU-gdjf