Oro

Oro is (1) the name given in the Yoruba country of West Africa to Mumbo Jumbo (q.v.). (2) The principal war-god of the pagan natives of Polynesia. Such was the delight which he was supposed to have in blood that his priest required every victim offered in sacrifice to be covered with its own blood in order to its acceptance. When war was in agitation a human sacrifice was offered to Oro, the ceremony connected with it being called fetching the god to preside over the army. The image of the god was brought out; when the victim was offered, a red feather was taken from his person and given to the party, who bore it to their companions, and considered it as a symbol of Oro's presence and sanction during their subsequent preparations. Oro was, in the Polynesian mythology, the first son of Tauroa, who was the founder and father of the gods; he was the first of the fourth class of beings worshipped in the Leeward Islands, and appears to have. been the medium of connection between celestial and. terrestrial beings. In Tahiti Oro was worshipped under the representation of a straight log of hard casuarina wood, six feet in length, uncarved. but decorated with feathers. This was the great national idol of the Polynesians. He was generally supposed to give the response to the priests who sought to know the will of the gods or the issue of events. At Opoa, which was considered the birthplace of the god, was the most celebrated oracle of the people.