Oko is used in Yoruba to refer to the god of farming, agriculture, and fertility. It is believed that Oko came to earth and lived on a small farm where he grew some of the most beautiful and delicious fruits and vegetables. One day, he disappeared, leaving nothing but his staff stuck in the ground. When the people saw the staff in the ground and realized his gift with agriculture, they knew he must have been a god. The staff later became a phallic symbol to represent fertility. The Yoruba community made a holiday just before the rainy season devoted to Oko, where men are encouraged to be a little more friendly with the local women.