Primordial Yoruba Concept of Time and Calendar: The Case of The Aboòrìsàs of Oyo Town

Abstract

Yoruba people have existed and conducted their affairs based on a concept of time long before their encounter with the West. Though considered unlettered due to absence of early written record, they have observed the passing of time with accuracy as it is all recorded in their oral history that guides their daily life. The adoption of the Gregorian calendar by eighteenth century due to the contact with the west was further implemented by colonization. This led to the indigenization of the Gregorian calendar to the detriment of the cultural understanding of the concept of time. With the progression of technology and the digital world, searches done online reveals the indigenized Gregorian calendar as opposed to the original four-day Yoruba week.  Presently, only traditional settings tend to observe the primordial Yoruba concept of time and utilize it as a calendar. The Yoruba Calendar highlights how the people’s understanding of time is translated into their daily lives. Their understanding of time guides not just the days and week but how and when to cultivate and construct. Case study research was conducted to understand how the Aboòrìsàs (traditional worshipers) of Oyo town implement the primordial Yoruba calendar in contemporary period (2) What are its significance to Yoruba Culture and heritage? (3) Why are they not widely in use in Yoruba towns in Nigeria today?

Keywords: Calendar, Time, Yoruba Culture

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/67-08

Publication date: June 30^th 2022