yoruba nigeria culture

This suggests a somewhat cynical attitude in the parent(s). A New Political Philosophy for Nigeria and Other African Countries, 1967. Awosika, V. O. Lagos State: People, Logo, Postal Code & Map, Rivers State: Population, Postal Code & Map, Top 5 African Cities With The Worst Traffic Congestion, Azman Air: Online Flight Booking, Services, Customer Care Contact, Nigerian Civil War With Biafra: The Untold Story. However, there are three other major official languages used across the country, namely: Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.The Yoruba people of Nigeria account for about 21 percent of the population – making them a major tribe and one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. The uniqueness of Yoruba thought is that it is mainly narrative in form, explicating and pointing to the knowledge of the causes and nature of things, affecting the corporeal and the spiritual universe and its wellness. Yoruba cultural thought is a witness of two epochs. Yes, Yoruba agitation for autonomy is … Culture. He interprets Olorun’s wishes to mankind. The culture and people were very interesting: Asa ati awon eyan yi daa gan ni: They are good sculptors and craftsmen. It is believed that the love that exists between a parent and a child here on earth should continue even after death. The waist bead is also identified as Giri-Giri, Yomba, Jel … His (divine) idealism has inspired the entire Yoruba people in Africa and in Diaspora, especially those who were stolen (to the Americas and the West Indies) during the inhuman slave trade. Their tradition holds that there is only one supreme being or god called Olorun. If he/she stays there, it follows that it is not bad, and that would send a signal to the other one to start coming. Apart from Nigeria, the Yoruba people are also found in Togo, Benin, Ghana, North America, and even the UK in large numbers. Kashimawo (let's wait and see). Secondary school (high school) education also became common. The second epoch is the epoch of metaphysical discourse. Contrary to what many people believe, the Yoruba are, in fact, not a single ethnic group. 1 post & 78 views. Hence some of them are referred to as artist-philosophers. 3:33pm On Apr 07 (Hellraiser77) American From 4chan With Some Questions by Ulmius. 1. The 4 largest of these groups are the Hausa, the Fulani, the Igbo and the Yoruba. Adire is one of the popular textiles in Yoruba land. As such, Yoruba people put considerable effort into naming a baby. This is to identify the first twin as the one sent by the other one to first go and taste the world. Since attaining independence (1960), Nigeria has set a high priority on education. This page contains a course in Yoruba phrases and daily expressions as well as a list of other lessons in grammar topics and common words in Yoruba. meaning 'The cry of the new bride', this is to show that she is sad leaving her parents' home and signify her presence in the new home. For females, Aduke (one who everyone likes to take care of), Ayoke (one who people are happy to care for), Arike (one who is cared for on sight), Atinuke or Abike (one that is born to be pampered),"Anike" which come from a longer name meaning we have a crown and it is as delicate as an egg. family and friends to the door step of her new home in a ritual called Ekun Iyawo. Immortality is the dream of many, as "Eji-ogbe" puts it: Mo dogbogbo orose; Ng ko ku mo; Mo digba oke; Mo duro Gbonin. He is the cultivator of ambitions and desires, and the interpreter of ori (head) and its destiny. BuzzNigeria – Famous People, Celebrity Bios, Updates and Trendy News, Hausa People, Language, Tribe, Music, Culture, Women, Quick Facts, Nigerian Flag - History, Who Designed it? Yoruba people have hundreds of aphorisms, folktales, and lore, and they believe that any lore that widens people's horizons and presents food for thought is the beginning of a philosophy. For instance, they claim that they have more than 400 deities. So, like all names, choosing a Yoruba name should be given significant consideration. Hence the second to arrive is named Kehinde (late arrival; it is now common for many Kehindes to be called by the familiar diminutive "Kenny".Irrespective of the sex the child born to the same woman after the twins is called Idowu, and the one after this is called Alaba, then the next child is called Idogbe. And since the parent has only ascended to another plane of existence, it should be possible for the link to remain strong. Yoruba The Yoruba are one of Nigeria’s most urban ethnic groups. There is a belief in an afterlife that is a continuation of this life, only in a different setting, and the abode of the dead is usually placed at a place just outside this abode, and is sometimes thought of as separated by a stream. As it were in the ancient times, Yoruba people always attach philosophical and religious connotations to whatever they produced or created. Prior to the wedding day, the payment of bride price is arranged. While generally found under the umbrella as Yorubas, different areas have their separate dialects that are all closely related. 2:27pm On Apr 07 ; Trade Nigeria Organisation by WorldAutomobile. When a child is conceived with no prior menstruation, he or she is named Ilori. This secures the final consent of the bride's parents, and the wedding day is fixed. This complexity has led westerners to compare their religion to that of ancient Greek. At a birth ceremony, no one younger than the baby’s mother is permitted. The culture of Nigeria is therefore every bit as diverse as you would expect from a country which is a melting pot of people from so many different backgrounds. [3] In modern times, the Esie museum has been the center of religious activities and hosts a festival in the month of April every year. In addition, allegiance to these systems is paid uniformly to a large urban area, as opposed to a centralised authority. In a sharp contrast, they are a collection of diverse people who are bound together by a common language, culture, and history. 23 posts & 937 views. Historically, their culture centered on densely populated city-states each controlled by an oba, or king. (if we die young, and a horse is killed in celebration of one's life; it is better than dying old without people killing even a chicken in celebration.). Yoruba women are generally beautiful and hardworking. Marriage is not considered to be only a union of the husband and wife, it is also seen among the Yoruba as the union of the families on both sides. Distinctive cultural norms prevail in Yorubaland and among the Yoruba people. The important thing is a good life and a good name. Both male and female babies are circumcised within the first month. Before she is finally ushered into her house, if she is an adherent of the Yoruba faith, she is given a calabash (igba) and is then asked to break it. As the saying goes: Ki a ku l'omode, ki a fi esin se irele eni; o san ju ki a dagba ki a ma ni adie irana. The Yoruba call on this god by prayers or by pouring water on the ground using kola nuts. The standard language incorporates several features from other dialects.[19]. He is regarded as the cultivator of modern Yoruba idealism. Such customs are often derived from their profession or religion. Christianity, Islam etc. Thus thought/philosophy is antecedent to religion. This refers to the hoe that is used to dig the grave. In traditional society, the child is placed with a master of whatever craft the gods specify for him or her(although, this rarely happens nowadays). Just as their men, the Yoruba women are expected to be respectful of their elders, and when the time for marriage comes, the women just as the men are expected to marry. Each town has a leader called Oba, who achieves this position by being selected by an Oba who is in power, by inheritance or by participating title associations. Why Ife Is Not Yoruba Land, It Belongs To The Igbos - Ooni by EzeNri. Musics varieties include Juju, Fuji etc with artists including King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Wasiu Ayinde KWAM 1 etc.[20]. Like all of the Yoruba gods (orishas), Yes, cynics, skeptics, doubters, and cowards will begin to emerge with their fear. This is to prevent any mishap. Beautiful sculptures of wood, brass, and terracotta are common things among the Yoruba. Ajike, Yoruba law is the legal system of Yorubaland. Their philosophy of naming is conveyed in a common adage, ile ni a n wo, ki a to so omo l'oruko ("one pays attention to the family before naming a child"): one must consider the tradition and history of a child's relatives when choosing a name. [1], Since it is generally believed that names are like spirits which would like to live out their meanings, parents do a thorough search before giving names to their babies. Among the most popular Yoruba women right now are media mogul Mo Abudu who has been recognized by the Forbes magazine as the most successful African woman, and one of the richest woman in the world, Folorunsho Alakija. Yoruba … The art of sculpture is not a new concept among the Yoruba people. Divinity-philosopher Orunmila epitomizes wisdom and idealism. Meanwhile, a family that venerates IfÃ¡ may name their child Falola (Ifa has honor). Once the day has been fixed through either consultation of the Orishas by a babalawo (in the case of followers of the Yoruba religion) or the decision of a man of God (in the case of the Christians or Muslims), the bride and bridegroom are warned to avoid travelling out of town, including to the farm. However, their political and social system varies significantly, depending largely on regions. [1], The Yoruba are said to be prolific sculptors, famous for their terra cotta works throughout the 12th and 14th century; artists also earnests their capacity in making artwork out of bronze.[2]. The Yoruba people of Western Nigeria are a nationality of approximately 35 million people occupying the south-western parts of Nigeria. This is the meaning of life: to deliver the message of Olodumare, the Supreme Creator by promoting the good of existence. He cultivated the big ideas that led to the building of the first modern stadium in Africa and the first Cocoa House in the world. The child that is named will grow to adulthood. For it is the wish of the Deity that human beings should promote the good as much as is possible. When a new baby is born, it is sprinkled with water until he or she cries failure to which no word is spoken until he or she does so. However, this practice varies from one community to another. The Yoruba believe that some children are born to die. The Yoruba people believe that people live out the meanings of their names. Apart from referring to the aggregate of dialects and their speakers, the term Yoruba is used for the standard, written form of the language.[22]. Virtually nothing of the historic city survives: it was destroyed by the British in an epic act of vandalism in 1897. The Yoruba are said to be religious people, but they are also pragmatic and tolerant about their religious differences. The Yoruba people believe that they are descendants of Oduduwa. After a specified number of days have elapsed, a naming ceremony is held where close relatives are invited. Divinity-philosopher Orunmila, the cultivator of Ifa-Ife Divination, is the father of ancient Yoruba Idealism. In 1893, the Yoruba Kingdom became part of the British Protectorate. Groups, under the platform of Assembly of all Yoruba Groups Worldwide, have set aside June 12 as the day of referendum for the Yoruba on the self-determination agenda. He and his friends seek her out through various means. The influence of Islam in Yoruba culture was responsible for the eighth-day naming ceremony. Therefore, people make an effort to remember their ancestors on a regular basis. Native Yoruba soups include ewedu, gbegiri (which is made from beans), and efo riro (a type of vegetable soup). There she is prayed for and her legs are washed. He pondered the visible and invisible worlds, reminiscing about cosmogony, cosmology, and the mythological creatures in the visible and invisible worlds. Well, here is a look at the top things you need to know about them. The Yoruba people of Western Nigeria are a nationality of approximately 35 million people occupying the south-western parts of Nigeria. He built the first Radio and TV Houses in Africa. 6. 5. His leadership philosophy helped him with big ideas. Whilst many profess the Yoruba school of thought; many more profess other faiths e.g. Based on the definition of the Yoruba Idealism, which is the search for the meaning of life and the yearning for the best in life, Yoruba Idealism is a kind of Enlightenment Movement in its own right, as every scion in the land endeavors to reach the height or the acme of his idealistic ambition. Examples of names given with reference to the family tradition include Ogundiran (Ogun has become a living tradition in the family); Ayanlowo (Ayan drumming tradition is honorable); Oyetoso (Chieftaincy is ornament); Olanrewaju (Honor is advancing forward); Olusegun (God has conquered the enemy). In addition, there are three gods available to all. What is The Meaning of IPOB, Who is The Leader and What Are They Fighting For? This is also an epoch-making history in the oral culture during which time divinity-philosopher Orunmila was the head and a pre-eminent diviner. Yoruba written literature begins with the formation of its grammar published in 1843. Participation in this afterlife is conditional on the nature of one's life and the nature of one's death. Some common foods native to the Yoruba include moin-moin (steamed bean pudding) and akara (bean cake). First, children and grand children would celebrate the life of their parent who passed and left a good name for them. Isha, on the other hand, is the god of divination. [6], Some Yoruba believe that a baby may come with pre-destined names. For instance, the art of passage of rite is still rife among the Yoruba and is still a common practice even to date. Other components of the Book of Knowledge or the Book of Enlightenment are psychology, sociology, mathematics, cosmogony, cosmology, and other areas of human interests. Weaving is done on different types of looms in order to create hundreds of different patterns. 87 posts & 874 views. The Arewa Youth Assembly, AYA, has given Yoruba residents in the North 72 hours to leave the region. Idealism in Yoruba-land and for the Yoruba people is equated with the ideal purpose of life, the search for the meaning of life and the yearning for the best in life. The young man identifies a young woman that he loves. In their communities, the Yoruba ceremony described above is commonly seen as more of an engagement party than a proper wedding rite. These are names that are not natural with the child at birth but are given on either the seventh day of birth (for females) and ninth day of birth (for males). Music and dance have always been an important part of their culture; used in the many different forms of entertainment.Musical instruments includes Bata, saworo, sekere, gangan etc. Second, the Yoruba are realistic and pragmatic about their attitude to death. Even though a good number of Yoruba people practice Christianity, up to 20% of the Yoruba population still practice traditional forms of religion. If he doesn't, she and her parents are disgraced and may be banished from the village where they live. Numbering about 35 million in total, the Yoruba is one of the largest ethnic groups south of the Sahara Desert. There is also a council of elders which assists the Oba with decision-making. This commenced in the 19th century when the land became a literate land through the diligence and pragmatism of Dr. Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican Bishop. While their primary concentration is in Nigeria, they are also found in other West African countries and throughout the entire world as well. In many cases, the relative will subsequently call the child by the name they give to him or her, so a new baby may thereafter have more than a dozen names. When it breaks, the number of pieces it is broken into is believed to be the number of children she will give birth to. Ajayi, Omofolambo S. Yoruba Dance: The Semiotics of Movement and Body Attitude in a Nigerian Culture, 1998. The ogberis (ignorant folks) fear death because it marks the end of an existence that is known and the beginning of one that is unknown. Another notable culture among the Yorubas is the burial as a rite of passage. Most of what survived of this legal code has been assimilated into the customary laws of the sovereign nations that the Yoruba inhabit. Reference to hills is found in the saying "Gboningbonin ni t'oke, oke Gboningbonin". The wedding ceremony is the climax of a process that starts with courtship. [21], Yoruba people traditionally speak the YorÃ¹bÃ¡ language, a member of the NigerâCongo language family. 2. Without their various contributions, Yoruba land could have been lost in a hay of confusion. According to the Yoruba Mythology, it is believed that they descended from an area called Odua. Such soups as Okra soup (locally known as ila alasepo) and egusi (melon soup) have become very popular in Western Nigeria in recent times and, in addition to Amala (yam flour), a traditional Yoruba fufu made of yam flour, these can be eaten with numerous Nigerian fufu meals, including pounded yam (locally referred to as iyan); lafun, a Nigeria fufu made from cassava; semolina; and garri (eba). Hence it is insisted that one has a good capacity for moral uprightness and personhood. While this is the only marital ceremony that is practiced by the more traditional members of the tribe, Christian and Muslim members generally blend it with a church wedding and registry wedding (in the case of Christians) or a nikkah and registry wedding (in the case of Muslims). Title associations play an important role when it comes to balancing and assigning power to different cities. Colors, Meaning, Facts, Yoruba Movies and How To Watch Them Free Online, Inside Odunlade Adekola’s Family Life With Wife Ruth and The Children They Share, Exploring Ali Nuhu’s Net Worth and His Rise to the King of Kannywood, Where Is Ruth Kadiri From? The parents have the responsibility for his/her socialization into the norms of the larger society, in addition to giving him a means of livelihood. The Yoruba are said to be prolific sculptors, famous for their terra cotta works throughout the 12th and 14th century; artists also earnests their capacity in making artwork out of bronze.. Esiẹ Museum is a museum in Esiẹ, Irepodun, Kwara.The museum was the first to be established in Nigeria when it opened in 1945. They are embodied in Ifa-Ife Divination, known as the tripartite Book of Enlightenment or the Body of Knowledge in Yorubaland and in Diaspora. For example, a family of hunters could name their baby Ogunbunmi (Ogun favors me with this) to show their respect to the divinity who gives them metal tools for hunting. Today the city is the centre of Nigeria's rubber trade, and a sprawling metropolis. x … The grave is dug inside the deceased’s house. Some Yoruba groups practice ifalomo(6th) holding the naming rites on the sixth day. All Art Film Music ... Giwa noted that part of the reasons nothing works in Nigeria was because the country was established in a crafty manner. 3. Iyabode, Yeside, Yewande, and Yetunde, ("mother has come back") are female counterparts, names with the same meaning. Dada is the child born with locked hair; and Ajayi (nicknamed Ogidi Olu) is the one born face-downwards.[7]. The non-literate world, compelled by the need to survive, impelled by the need to unravel the mysteries of the days and nights made divinity-philosopher Orunmila to cultivate the idea of Divination. Other natural names include Abiodun (one born on a festival day or period),"Abiona"(one born on a journey) Abidemi or Bidemi (one born without the presence of its father) i.e the child's father didn't witness his baby's naming ceremony but not dead, maybe he just traveled, Enitan (one of a story) this child might have had any of its parent dead before its birth, Bosede (one born on a holy day); Babatunde/Babatunji (meaning father has come back) is the son born to a family where a father has recently passed. 1:54pm On Apr 07 (WorldAutomobile) Trade Nigeria Organisation Naming ceremonies are performed with the same meticulous care, generally by the oldest family member. In addition to that, they are also good porters, weavers, and metalsmiths. It is believed that she is washing every bad-luck that she might have brought into her husband's house away. They constitute what could be described as the largest concentration of Africans who live and work in the Diaspora and their descendants are spread all over the world. The group disclosed that its action was … Thus more and more researches are being carried out on Yoruba cultural thought, as more and more books are being written on itâembossing its mark and advancing its research amongst non-African thinkers such as the political philosophers and political scientists who are beginning to open their doors to other cultures, widening their views. Thus the first to be born of the two is called Taiwo or "Taiye", shortened forms of Taiyewo, meaning the taster of the world. Chuka is the managing editor at BuzzNigeria.com, feel free to follow him on Twitter @chukaudeze. Twin-births when they are male and female are usually named on the eighth day but on the seventh or ninth day if they are same-sex twins. Today, the academic and the nonacademic communities are becoming more and more interested in Yoruba culture, its Book of Enlightenment. Anifowose, Remi. It is quite intricate, each group and subgroup having a system that varies, but in general, government begins within the immediate family. They constitute about 21% of Nigeria’s total population, making them one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. Later, several rituals are performed to ensure that the deceased is reborn. The museum was the first to be established in Nigeria when it opened in 1945. The man's parents arrange to pay a visit to the prospective bride's parents. Eshu is the divine god who delivers special sacrifices to the high god, Olorun. Olorun is the creator and the high god. See Also: Yoruba Movies and How To Watch Them Free Online. These are praise names, and they are used to suggest what the child's family background is or to express one's hope for the child: Akanbi- (one who is deliberately born); Ayinde (one who is praised on arrival); Akande (one who comes or arrives in full determination); Atanda (one who is deliberately created after thorough search). It is reputed to have the largest collection of soapstone images in the world. This falls into several categories. In order to honour their several deities, gods, and ancestors, the Yoruba’s make magnificent sculptures. The young man sends messages of interest to the young woman until such a time that they are close enough to avoid a go-between (alarina). (I have become an aged ose tree; I will no longer die; I have become two hundred hills rolled into one; I am immovable.) They know that one may die at a young age. The Yoruba are one of the few African people who have strong, united political and social systems. Some dishes are prepared specially for festivities and ceremonies. They are given in accordance with significant events at time of birth or with reference to the family tradition as has been mentioned above. Kosoko (there is no hoe anymore). This derives from the phenomenon of the tragic incidents of high rate of infant mortality sometimes afflicting the same family for a long time. 4. Some families have long-standing traditions for naming their children. The Yoruba people (Yoruba: Ìran Yorùbá) are an ethnic group that inhabits western Africa, mainly the countries of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.The Yoruba constitute around 30 million people Africawide. This is ancestor veneration, which some have wrongly labelled ancestor worship. Uncounted numbers of Yorubas were carried to the Caribbean and America during slave trade period. Despite the fact that the Yoruba cannot detail all their long pedigrees, such as divinity-philosopher Oduduwa, divinity-philosopher Obatala, divinity-philosopher Orunmila, divinity-philosopher Sango, divinity-philosopher Ogun, divinity-philosopher Osun (one of the three wives of Sango), divinity-philosopher Olokun, divinity-philosopher Oya(one of the three wives of Sango), divinity-philosopher Esu, divinity-philosopher Ososi, divinity-philosopher Yemoja, divinity-philosopher Sopona, etc., nonetheless it is a fact of truth that they had all impacted the Yoruba people and contributed to the wellness and well-being of the Yoruba society. In Igbo, it is called mgbájị́. But what are some of the notable facts about the Yoruba People? Personhood is an achieved state judged by the standard of goodness to self, to the community and to the ancestors. [5], After the ritual, the child is named and members of the extended family have the honour of also giving a name to the child. [8] Such names reflect the frustration of the poor parents: The Yoruba also have pet names or oriki. This testifies to the belief in reincarnation. The gift of a name comes with gifts of money and clothing. Ige is a child born with the legs coming out first instead of the head; and Ojo (male) or Aina (female) is the one born with the umbilical cord around his or her neck. The museum once housed over a thousand tombstone figures or images representing human beings. Or he may take to the profession of the father, in the case of a boy, or the mother, in the case of a girl. As people say: Keni huwa gbedegbede; keni lee ku pelepele; K'omo eni lee n'owo gbogboro L'eni sin. Akeredolu says the Yoruba people would not allow “impostors” to lead any agitation on their behalf. Yoruba culture consists of the folk/cultural philosophy, the autochthonous religion and folktales. But he is more of a psychologist than a philosopher. On the wedding night she and her husband have their first meeting and he is ordinarily expected to find her to be a virgin. (Let one conduct one's life gently; that one may die a good death; that one's children may stretch their hands over one's body in burial. Baba Ifa Karade, The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts, YorÃ¹bÃ¡ People And Culture: YorÃ¹bÃ¡ Language, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoruba_culture&oldid=1000614257, Pages with non-English text lacking appropriate markup and no ISO hint, Pages with non-English text lacking appropriate markup from April 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. But before the bride goes to her husbands house, she is escorted by different people i.e. The Yoruba culture demands relentlessly that such a leader must be an omolúwàbí, and the goodness generated by the beauty of that character must form the basis of governance. The first epoch is an epoch-making history in mythology and cosmology. Once their consent is secured, the wedding day may be set. They started creating sculptures as early as the 12th century and continue to do so even now. Generally speaking, Yoruba people are idealists by nature. Jollof rice, fried rice and Ofada rice very common in Nigeria (especially in the southwest region, which includes Lagos). When this occurs, the family devises various methods to forestall a recurrence, including giving special names at a new birth. His or her wedding is also the responsibility of the parents. Other popular dishes include Asaro, Efokore, Ekuru and Aro, stews, corn, cassava, and flours (such as maize, yam and plantain flours), eggs, chicken, and assorted meat and fish).