Celebrating Oshun and La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre: Embracing Two Divine Forces of Love, Strength, and Protection

There are some spiritual figures who radiate such love and warmth that they feel like they’re wrapping you in a comforting embrace. Oshun, the goddess of rivers and love, and La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, Cuba’s patron saint of charity, are two such powerful female figures. Though they come from different cultures, both are celebrated for their nurturing energy, their fierce protection, and their ability to bring joy and hope into people’s lives.

Today, we’re here to celebrate these incredible women, each in their own right, and recognize the beauty they bring to the world.

Oshun, Goddess of Love, Beauty and Rivers. Photo by Author. © 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

Oshun: The Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Rivers

Oshun is one of the most beloved orishas in the Yoruba religion, which originated in West Africa. She is the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and freshwaters—particularly rivers. Often pictured draped in bright yellow or gold, Oshun exudes radiance, grace, and charm. She represents the sweetness of life, the joy that comes from love, and the strength needed to overcome life’s challenges.

Beyond love and beauty, Oshun is also a powerful protector and nurturer. She is known for her ability to heal and bring abundance, both in physical and emotional forms. In moments of desperation, people turn to her for fertility, financial prosperity, and emotional comfort. But don’t let her charm fool you—when angered or disrespected, Oshun can become fierce, her waters turning from gentle streams into powerful floods.

One of the most beautiful ways people honor Oshun is through sunflowers, her favorite flower. These bright, golden blooms reflect her sunny disposition and positive energy. Followers bring her offerings of honey, oranges, and sunflowers, symbolizing the sweetness and abundance she bestows. Whether by riverside rituals or quiet moments of gratitude, celebrating Oshun means honoring love in all its forms—romantic love, self-love, and the nurturing love between family and community.

Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, Photo by Author. © 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Soul II Soul

La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre: Cuba’s Beloved Protector

On the other side of the world, in Cuba, La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, or Our Lady of Charity, stands as a powerful symbol of protection, love, and resilience. She is a distinct figure revered for her role in offering hope and charity to those in need. Her story dates back to the early 1600s, when she miraculously appeared at sea, rescuing three men from a deadly storm. This act of divine intervention marked the beginning of her role as the protector of the Cuban people.

La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre is a motherly figure, offering comfort and guidance to those who seek her. Over the centuries, she has become a symbol of unity and strength, especially during Cuba’s wars for independence. Her image graced flags and banners as a beacon of hope, inspiring people to persevere through hardship.

Sunflowers are also linked to La Virgen, as they symbolize her brightness and the hope she provides. During her feast day on September 8th, her devotees fill churches with offerings of flowers, candles, and prayers. In times of personal struggle, Cubans light candles in her honor, trusting her to provide guidance and protection.

Celebrating Their Shared Spirit

Though Oshun and La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre come from different traditions, they are divinely connected. Both are symbols of love, protection, and nurturing. They are seen as motherly figures, watching over their followers with compassion, and guiding them through difficult times. Both are deeply connected to water—Oshun to rivers and La Virgen to the sea—further highlighting their roles in offering emotional healing and cleansing.

Their love for sunflowers is another beautiful connection. Sunflowers, with their bright, golden petals, symbolize joy, light, and abundance—the very qualities that Oshun and La Virgen embody. Whether in Yoruba traditions or Cuban Catholic celebrations, sunflowers are offered in reverence and gratitude for the love and protection these divine figures provide.

The Power of the Divine Feminine

Oshun and La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre remind us of the immense power of the feminine divine. They show us that love, while often seen as soft and gentle, can also be fierce and transformative. Whether it’s Oshun using her powers to restore balance to the world or La Virgen guiding an entire nation through its struggles, both figures embody the strength, resilience, and nurturing energy that women have carried throughout history.

When we celebrate them, we celebrate not only their spiritual gifts but also the universal qualities of love, compassion, and protection that they represent. They are symbols of the power within us all to care for others, fight for what’s right, and stand strong in the face of adversity.

A Legacy of Love and Protection

Today, both Oshun and La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre are celebrated and cherished by millions. Whether it’s through festive gatherings by riversides or solemn prayers offered in candle-lit churches, their presence continues to inspire and heal. People honor them with sunflowers, sweet offerings, and heartfelt devotion, knowing that these divine figures are always watching over them.

As we celebrate Oshun and La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, we are reminded that love and protection are universal forces that transcend time and place. Whether through the flowing rivers of Oshun or the calming seas of La Virgen, their love is ever-present, offering hope and comfort to those who need it.

So, as you see the bright face of a sunflower or hear the rush of a river, take a moment to celebrate these powerful women. They are the embodiment of love, strength, and compassion—a reminder that even in the hardest times, we are never truly alone.