 Oyá, better know in Brazil as Yansã, is the godess of the wind, of the storms and of the Niger river. She was the first wife of Xangô and was of an ardent and fiery nature. In Brazil, her followers wear glass necklaces made of winecolored beads. Her day, wednesday, is the same as her husbands, Xangô. Her symbols are buffalo horns and a dagger, which are placed upon her altar. As offerings, one presents her with goats and acarajé (also called acará, black bean mash fritters, filled with ground dried shrimps and peppers). She hates pumpkin. She's not allowed to eat goats meat. When she manifests herself in one of her initiates, she wears a pearl crown that hides her face. In one hand she holds a dagger, in the other a horse tail (fly swatter). She performs a war danse, and if Ogum is present, she won't avoid a duel, probably as a reminder of their former inequities. Through her tortillating and fast movements, she also evoques storms and whirlwinds. | 