The English word, April is Latin derivative from ''aperire,'' to open as the Earth begins to open the spring.
No doubt, the word, ''aperire,'' in Yoruba language means, ''A pe (The call), ri (to see), ire (goodness).'' ''Aperire= The call to see goodness.''
''Aperire,'' is the 4th (fourth) month of the year. The month in which the feud between Heaven and Earth became settled. Ifa/Ephod, the most ancient and eternal WORD of GOD tells us that the feud arose as a result of who should take the only field mouse killed by Heaven and Earth in a hunting expedition.
Heaven said to Earth, ''I am your senior, so I should have the field mouse.''
Earth retorted, ''No, I am your senior, so I should take the field mouse.''
Earth took the field mouse and instantly Heaven withheld the rain.
The result was that Earth died as a result of lack of water.
''How do we revive or resurrect Earth?'' The inhabitants of Earth asked Ifa.
The same Ifa corpus was revealed. Ifa prescribed sacrifice and it must be offered to Heaven.
Vulture/Angulu was the only bird that was capable of flying to Heaven. So Vulture volunteered himself.
Orisa Oko/Alusi or Arusi Ani received the sacrifice from Vulture. And pleaded on be half of Earth. Heaven became propitiated and sent down the rain on Earth. Orisa Oko called Earth to life in the ritual of ''aperire or resurrection of the Earth, or Ajinde ara.''
However, Vulture was rewarded with ingratitude and had a bald head as a result of heavy downpour beating his head and no one was willing to accommodate him.
Earth was resurrected to life. Plants that hitherto have died began to grow. And the landscapes became green. The trees that were barren due to the shedding of their leaves began to grow new leaves. Flowers that have died and remained stunted began to bloom. Brooks and dry wells were saturated with fresh water. Humanity went out to plant and grow their foods.
My prayer for all of us is that, may Heaven (Olorun ajinde) resurrect all the goodness that have died in our lives.
But let us remember all those who have played the Volure in our lives. Let us show them kindness in this solemn and holy season.
By Baba Olusegun Okedairo.
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