Mami Wata

Mami Wata is a mermaid-like water spirit or deity found in the religious traditions of peoples throughout Africa and the African diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean. The name "Mami Wata" is derived from the English words "mummy" and "water," reflecting her maternal and aquatic nature. In Hebrew, she might be referred to as מאמי ווטה, though this is not a direct translation. In Yoruba, she is known as Mami Wata or Iyami Aje, and in Haitian Vodou, she is called La Sirène. Mami Wata is often depicted as a beautiful woman with long hair, sometimes with the tail of a fish, and is associated with healing, protection, and prosperity. She is also known for her ability to bring wealth and fertility, as well as her capacity to cause misfortune and illness. Mami Wata is worshipped in various forms and under different names, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped her mythos. Her worship often involves offerings, rituals, and the use of sacred objects, such as mirrors and snakes, which are considered her symbols.