"Hit me, curse me, bring it all on, but leave my mother out of it." Most likely, the first thoughts on your mind when someone references your mother in an argument. For many, the words "Ìyálàyá ẹ" is an invocation of the wrath of mother, the greatest 'god' in a child's life. Ìyá is much more than the Yoruba translation of the word "mother" which may at first use, refer to a biological relationship.Ìyá is a child's first friend and protector. Before a child becomes aware of a supernatural being responsible for his or her existence, the child knows his mother first. The one who feeds, protects, entertains and showers love unending.
Ìyálàyá ẹ! Is more than an insult to a child. It is an insult to the sacredness of life itself, it is an insult to the soil of the earth, whose fertility is linked to that of a mother. For many average Yoruba people, Ìyálàyá ẹ goes deeper and hurts more than other insults, even those which reference the father.
In most cases, the corresponding male version of Ìyálàyá ẹ, rarely attracts as much hostility as the feminine version. The insulted may retort with another insult, but rarely with a blow. However, the words Ìyálàyá ẹ, will have an unconscious speaker losing some of his teeth in a flash. Why does the insult of a mother hurt a child more than that of father? Some say, it's due to the spiritual bond between mother and child. I say, if you do not want to lose a few teeth or break a nose, leave Ìyá out of the quarrel.
Ìyálàyá ẹ! Is more than an insult to a child. It is an insult to the sacredness of life itself, it is an insult to the soil of the earth, whose fertility is linked to that of a mother. For many average Yoruba people, Ìyálàyá ẹ goes deeper and hurts more than other insults, even those which reference the father.
In most cases, the corresponding male version of Ìyálàyá ẹ, rarely attracts as much hostility as the feminine version. The insulted may retort with another insult, but rarely with a blow. However, the words Ìyálàyá ẹ, will have an unconscious speaker losing some of his teeth in a flash. Why does the insult of a mother hurt a child more than that of father? Some say, it's due to the spiritual bond between mother and child. I say, if you do not want to lose a few teeth or break a nose, leave Ìyá out of the quarrel.
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