Explore Africa’s Heritage

African Folktales

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

African Cuisine

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

African Proverbs

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

African History

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Usage of Amen and Ashe or Ase

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

This article is part of our African History hub — exploring race, African identity, and philosophy across the continent.

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.

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.

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.

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.