Egún — the ancestors — are honored first in Yorùbá tradition. We pour omi tútù (cool water), call their names, and offer food and drink so they may walk with us. Communion is an exchange: we refresh them, and they refresh us with guidance through dreams, divination, and intuition. To remember Egún is to stand strong, for we walk upon the shoulders of those who came before.

The ancestors — Egún — are the first we honor, for they walk with us and clear the path to the Òrìṣà. A shrine need not be elaborate: water, light, food, drink, and prayer are enough to give them a seat among the living. Each day we pour libation and call their names so they are never forgotten. Ifá teaches: “Okú ò níí jẹ́ kó lọ; ẹni tó bá gbàdúrà sí Egún, àláfíà ló ní rí.” To honor Egún is to stand strong upon the shoulders of those who came before.

In Yorùbá tradition, staying close to our ancestors—Ẹ̀gún—is more than belief. It’s a way to stay grounded, guided, and whole. Through simple acts of prayer, offerings, and good character (Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́), we keep their memory alive and allow their wisdom to walk with us. Honoring them is not performance—it is a relationship.

In Yorùbá spirituality, honoring the ancestors (Ìbòjútó àwọn Ègún) is a living practice. Ègún are not gone — they walk with us, guiding and protecting. Through offerings, prayers, and rituals like pouring òmí tùtù, we maintain this sacred bond. Whether through dreams or divination, we seek their wisdom. Honoring their roots us in who we are and reminds us we, too, are becoming the ancestors of tomorrow.