Aida-Wedo is the Yoruban (western Kmtyw) and Vodou goddess of water, snakes, and the rainbow, represented by the rainbow python, a snake whose scales are iridescent. The rainbow serpent is the symbol of integration in many parts of the world, including Kmt, Australia and America, and represents that which links heaven and earth, and encircles the world to unite her disparate elements.
In the Vodou tradition, Aida-Wedo (and Her husband Damballah) belong to the Rada Lwa, or spirits who come out of the rites of the old kingdom of Dahomey (present Nigeria, Benin and Togo), generally considered to be benevolent and sweet (dous).
She represents continuity and strength, integration and wholeness, as the rainbow contains all the colors, split from white light. Integrity, whether physical (structural), or moral, is the natural result of integration--weaving together elements that are very different. Her message is one of healing and strength for the whole of the world.
Offerings to Aida-Wedo include white foods such as milk, rice, and eggs.
Alternate names: Ayida Wedo, Dan Ayido Hwedo
Pele o Olufemi
Mention is made that Aida Wedo is "Yoruban" and Vodou godess. Aida Wedo is not from the Yoruba. Aida Wedo is a Vodu from the Kmtyw (continental) Vodun tradition. She is mainly worshipped by the Fon, Mahi, Ewe, kwk. Rarely would you find a native Yoruba worshipping her.
Also, I am not sure what is meant by she is a deity of "integration". I have not experienced that with Her. Maybe I should ask what is meant by "integration". So, what is meant by "integration" here?
Also, it is mentioned that Damballa is her husband. Well, I am sure that there are some people that may say this. However, this is not quite accurate. Damballa Wedo is a deity conceived by the New Kmtyws of Aiyti (Haiti). It is a composite of 3 different deities: Da or Dan- the male serpent deity of the Kmtyw Vodun tradition. Aida WEDO is the female aspect. In that respect, they are "husband and wife". The "ballah" part of the name comes from another serpent deity from the Kongo called Mbaza. Now the mbaza got creaolized into mballa or mballah. So the combination became Danballa or Damballa Wedo. The Wedo is the female aspect.
So in actuality the name Damballa Wedo combines Da and Aida Wedo (along with Mbaza). I say this because Damballa and Aida Wedo are not usually separated. You usually see the complete name of "Damballa Wedo" verses separating them.
I hope that I have brought some clarity to this.
Baba Awotunde