Oxum is the Portuguese form of Ọṣun, used by adherents of Candomblé in Brazil, where it refers to a spirit associated with fertility and wealth. In the Yoruba religion, Ọṣun (also known as Oshun) is the orisha of love, sexuality, fertility, femininity, water, destiny, divination, purity, wealth, prosperity, and beauty. Her name is possibly related to the Yoruba word ṣán, meaning "flow," which alludes to her connection with the Osun River in Nigeria. Cultural Significance and Worship According to the Ifá literary corpus, Oshun was the only female Irunmole (primordial spirit) sent by Olodumare, the Supreme God, to assist the orisha Shango in creating the world. She became one of Shango's consorts and was deified after her death. She is honored at the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a two-week annual festival held in August at the Oṣun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Nigeria, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé, Oxum retains her associations with freshwater, gold, honey, and sensual dance, and is often syncretized with Catholic saints such as Our Lady of Conception. Notable Characteristics and Worship Oshun is one of the most popular and venerated of the 401 orishas. She is frequently depicted as a beautiful woman adorned with gold and jewelry, carrying a mirror or fan. Her colors are yellow and gold, and her preferred offerings include honey, oranges, and pumpkins. In Cuba, the Regla de Ocha tradition features a type of musical ceremony called a violín performed for Oshun, blending European classical music with Cuban popular music. In Brazil, devotees of Candomblé incorporate Portuguese language and Catholic imagery into their worship of Oxum, while retaining the core Yoruba myths. Meaning: Possibly "flow" (from Yoruba ṣán) Origin: Yoruba (Nigeria), adopted in Afro-Brazilian Candomblé Type: Orisha (deity) / Female given name Usage: Brazil (Candomblé), also Cuba (Santería) and worldwide