KÓJỌDÁ: The Ancient Yorùbá Calendar.
Welcome to the Light of Ifá podcast, today, I delve deep into the rich history of Ifá and Yorùbá spirituality. In this episode, i explore the profound and intricate system of the ancient Yorùbá calendar, known as Kójọdá, meaning "May The Day Be Clear or Foreseen."
Join me as we journey through time to understand how the Yorùbá people counted and marked the passage of time by observing the moon and natural signs to guide their agricultural practices and seasonal festivals. Discover the fascinating evolution of the Yorùbá calendar through its various stages, from the primordial divinatory calendar rooted in Yoruba cosmology, farm cycles, seasons, and lunation cycles.
I discuss the fundamental concept of the number four in Yoruba beliefs, representing the universe's four corners and forming the basis of the 4-day week known as Orita. Learn how this ancient system defines the social structure, with the chief's house at the center of the family compound symbolizing unity and order.
Our exploration will uncover the origins of the 4-day week dedicated to the divinities:
- Òsè Ògún (Day 1 for Ògún)
- Òsè Sàngó/Jàkúta (Day 2 for Sàngó)
- Òsè Obàtálá (Day 3 for Obàtálá)
- Òsè Ayó (Day 4 for other Òrìsà, symbolizing joy)
I will also explain the structure of the traditional Yoruba calendar, comprising a 4-day week, 28-day month, 13-month year, and two main seasons. This ancient calendar remains a reference for hunters, farmers, traditional worshippers, and the community, emphasizing the importance of the last and first day of the month, Ojó OLOYIN, when communities come together to celebrate and reunite.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how this ancient system continues to influence modern Yorùbá society and spirituality. Whether you are a seeker, a scholar, or simply curious about Yoruba culture, this episode promises to enrich your knowledge and appreciation of this timeless tradition.