In Afrikan Vodún way of life, and Ajã culture in general, the massive ߊߕߌߣ ߟߦߊߤߎߣ atin lyahun (banyan tree) is the tree of life. According to this Ajã proverb, in time, the ߊߜ߭ߊߣߡߊ aganma (chameleon) becomes the master (climbs to the top) of the sacred lyahun (banyan) tree due to patience, the power of will and the application of wisdom. This is the mundane of it.
Yet, there is another layer. As the banyan tree is sacred to the Ajã and other Afrikan nations, the aganma’s slowly reaching the top indicates that self mastery, spirit mastery, will come bit by bit and with patience. The lyahun teaches us to be still, centered, and strong no matter the weather. The lyahun’s (banyan’s) intricate and multitudinous roots represent the prosperity that exudes from such practices.
The symbolism of the lyahun tree is the story of life; continually growing stronger roots and reaching new heights, expanding wide into the world claiming all the space it was meant to. It means to claim our destinies. We all should be climbing our own lyahun (banyan) daily.
ߊߦߌ߰ߣߐߣ ߊ߬ߜ߭ߍ߬ߟߐ߬ߜߊ߬ߜ߭ߊߣ ߊߜߐߝ߭ߌ
Ayìnɔn Àgɛ̀lɔ̀gbàgàn Agbɔvi