Margaretha, a member of the Yoruba tribe in Africa, is eagerly anticipating the arrival of another set of twins, a decade after welcoming her first pair. The Yoruba community, rooted in Nigeria, traditionally celebrates twin births with immense joy. Margaretha took to Instagram to share her excitement, expressing gratitude for the blessing of expecting twins again and offering encouragement to women hopeful for similar miracles.
"Twin births, the phenomenon of two offspring from a single pregnancy, are considered extraordinary due to their relatively infrequent nature. Globally, the incidence of twin births varies by region. Latin America and Southeast Asia report the lowest rates, around 9 sets per 1,000 births. In Europe, the figure is approximately 16 sets per 1,000 births, while the United States experiences about 33 sets per 1,000 births. Remarkably, the Yoruba people in southwest Nigeria claim the highest number of twin births globally, with an estimated 50 sets per 1,000 live births.
Igbo Ora, a town located 80 kilometers from Lagos, is renowned as the twin capital of the world within the Yoruba community. Unofficial estimates suggest a staggering 158 sets of twins for every 1,000 live births in the town.
In Igbo Ora and neighboring Yoruba towns, twins are commonly referred to as 'Taiye' and 'Kehinde,' denoting the order of their births. It is customary for them to be dressed in matching outfits, especially during their early years. Additionally, in Igbo Ora, twins hold a special status and are sometimes worshipped as minor deities. Almost every household in the town is said to have at least one set of twins."
