Mother Welcomes Second Set of Twins a Decade after Previous Birth
Margaretha, a woman from the Yoruba tribe in Africa, recently welcomed another set of twins into her life. A decade after giving birth to her first set of twins – one boy and one girl this time – she expressed her deep gratitude and joy for the blessings she has received. “I feel blessed, elated that the small me have 5 blessed children. God, this upcoming joy in me, please put in all women out there believing and waiting for such miracles,” Margaretha shared, her joy boundless. “God is being You, shield of my old age. At 30, I had twin boys, and at 40, I am having one of each. Thank You, heavenly Father,” she exclaimed.
Twin births are a momentous occasion, especially within the Yoruba tribe in Africa, where they are celebrated with great joy. Among the Yoruba people, who originate from Nigeria, twin births occur at a higher rate compared to many other regions.
Twins, the result of two offspring from the same pregnancy, are universally regarded as something special due to their relatively uncommon occurrence. Worldwide, the occurrence of twin births varies significantly by region and country. Latin America and Southeast Asia have the lowest rates, with only about 9 sets of twins per every 1,000 births. In Europe, the figure stands at around 16 twins for every 1,000 births, while in the United States, it’s approximately 33 for every 1,000 births.
In Central Africa, particularly among the Yoruba people, the number of twin births is even higher, ranging from 18 to 30 sets of twins per every 1,000 births.
Margaretha’s story resonates deeply with the Yoruba people, as they boast the highest number of twin births globally, with around 50 sets of twins for every 1,000 live births. But there’s a specific town that takes the crown for the highest number of multiple births – Igbo Ora, located in Nigeria.
Nestled 80 kilometers from Lagos, Igbo Ora is often referred to as the “twin capital of the world,” with an astounding estimate of 158 sets of twins for every 1,000 live births.
At the entrance to the town stands a large monument proudly celebrating its reputation as the “land of twins.”
While there isn’t empirical evidence for the high incidence of twin births in Igbo Ora, experts suggest that the consumption of a particular type of yam containing natural phytoestrogens might stimulate ovulation, leading to the higher occurrence of multiple births.
According to local beliefs, the secret behind the multiple births lies in the residents’ staple diet, which includes the leaf of an okra plant and yams. The community leader stated in a 2013 interview, “We eat a lot of the okra leaf or Ilasa soup. We also eat a lot of yam, and these diets influence multiple births.”
In Igbo Ora, it’s a common sight to come across households with twins. The indigenous people attribute this phenomenon to a type of okra leaf known as ewe ilasa, believed to have the power to bless women with twin births.
As we delve into the fascinating world of Yoruba twins and the unique occurrences in places like Igbo Ora, it’s clear that these occurrences are not only a biological marvel but also deeply interwoven with cultural beliefs and dietary practices.
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