African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Using Amen and Ashe or Ase

Usage of Amen and Ashe or Ase
Ashe to Amen learn about the custom of using the words Ashe and Amen historically.

Where did the word Amen and Ashe come from why is it said and what does it mean?

In Judaism, 3,500 years old and Christian religions 2,000 years old, Amen, means may it be so. In the African Yoruba language among the Yoruba people whose culture is as old as time, Ashe or Ase means may it be so.

Ase or Ashe means power, commandment, and authority, the ability to make whatever one says happen from the spiritual to the physical realm. In the Yoruba language, Ashe is omnipresent spiritual energy.

Followers of Judaism and Christian religions use the word Amen. It is the word utilized to end prayers as an affirmation for the requests to be provided by God. Yoruba is as old as time, Ashe refers to the life force within all living things, the spark that animates life.

It is used as a term used in the same manner as Amen at the end of appeals and prayers as an affirmation that what has been requested should be made manifest in the physical.

Candles are lit for prayers.

It is interesting to note the conversion of African time immoral spiritual practices to newer religious who express contempt of African indigenous cultures and practices, borrowed many words and ritual practices from Africans.

Further highlighting just how much our modern day religions borrow from ancient understandings principles of African spiritual practices. Today, in Yoruba-land, many Judaic, Christian and Muslim groups have merged the local Yoruba customs into their faiths practiced side by side.

Ashe to Amen

The Yoruba word Ashe or Ase pronounced AH SHAY is the divine force, energy, and power to make things happen, the same as the word Amen.

Using Amen and Ashe or Ase

Did you know.
Ile-Ife is the ancestral and spiritual home for all Yoruba’s and the Ooni of Ife is the traditional head and is highly revered among the Yoruba. The Yoruba are one of the three largest ethnic groups of Nigeria, also living in Benin and northern Togo. Yoruba have traditionally been among the most skilled and productive artisans of Africa.

Read more Facts about Africa and African food recipes
African people are praised for proverbs, history, traditions, and struggles. Learn more about Africa.

Honor a child and she will honor you.
Honor a child and she will honor you.


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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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