These two Iroko trees are more than just trees; they are living symbols of the spiritual power of the region. According to our guide, a local spiritual leader, these trees are at the heart of the voodoo religion practiced by the people of Togoville. “In Africa, when we speak of voodoo trees, there are only two types of sacred trees: Iroko and Baobab,” he explains. “Whether alive or dead, these trees are always considered sacred. Here, we have two Iroko, represented as twins.”
In voodoo belief, twins hold a unique place. They are seen as demi-gods, almost immortal. “Twins are a divine blessing, they possess a special connection with the spiritual world. In our belief, they are beings apart, with mystical power,” the guide continues.
One of the trees is female, and the other is male, a symbolic distinction that represents the balance between opposing and complementary forces in the spiritual world. “These trees, one male and one female, are representations of the masculine and feminine energies in nature. It’s a fundamental balance in our worldview,” he adds.
Twin Trees, Spiritual Protectors
The significance of these trees goes beyond their symbolism. They are also considered mediators between humans and spirits. Those who seek to understand the fate of their twins or wish to have twins in their lives come to consult these trees. “If you have twins in your life or if you wish to have some, this is where you come to ask the divinity for guidance,” the guide shares.
When requests are granted, tradition dictates that people come to offer a gift in gratitude. “A white cloth is often offered. Why white? Because white represents purity, and twins in our tradition are considered demi-gods, so they deserve pure offerings,” the spiritual guide explains with sincerity. The white cloth symbolizes recognition of the grace granted by the divinity.
A Deep Connection to the History of Togo
The Iroko trees are not just spiritual symbols. According to local tradition, these trees were already present when the first ancestors of Togo, coming from ancient Egypt, set foot on this land in the 12th century. They saw these trees as divine signs and decided to settle under their protection, thus founding the village of Togoville, the cradle of the Togolese nation.
“It is under these trees that everything began for us. Our ancestors saw these trees as a symbol of protection and made this place the center of their community,” the guide emphasizes. Today, these trees remain a sacred site, a reference point in Togolese culture and spirituality.
Bird Nests: A Symbol of Fertility
Another fascinating detail is the female tree, which is filled with bird nests, a strong symbol of fertility. “The female tree is full of nests and birds because it refers to fertility, to the ability to give birth. It is a sign that only women are supposed to generate life,” the guide explains. In contrast, the male tree, though equally powerful, has no nests, symbolizing its protective role and energy.
Voodoo, Between History and Spirituality
Thus, these two Iroko trees are much more than trees. They are embodied divinities, spiritual entities that have traversed the centuries and continue to play a central role in the lives of the people of Togoville. “These trees are the guardians of our history, our culture, and our beliefs,” concludes our interlocutor. He adds that these trees are not only a place of pilgrimage for believers but a living symbol of the connection between the past and the present, between ancestors and the living.
The story of these sacred trees is a constant reminder of the spiritual and historical richness of Togo. For those seeking to understand voodoo culture, a pilgrimage to Togoville is an unmissable experience. The Iroko trees are not only witnesses to the past but also spiritual guides for future generations.