Traditional Yoruba Calendar (Kọ́jọ́dá)
OMOLOLA RACHEAL AREMU
January 12, 2026
Traditional Yoruba Calendar (Kọ́jọ́dá)
The traditional Yoruba calendar is a lunisolar system deeply rooted in cosmology, agriculture, rituals, and the worship of Òrìṣà (deities). It differs from the modern Gregorian calendar influenced by colonialism and Christianity/Islam.
Week (Ọ̀sẹ̀): Traditionally 4 days long (a ritual and market cycle). Each day is dedicated to specific Òrìṣà and influences activities like worship, markets, and farming.
Day 1: Ọjọ́ Ọbàtálá – Dedicated to Obatala (creator deity), also Sopanna, Iyaami, and Egungun (ancestors).
Day 2: Ọjọ́ Òrúnmìlà/Ifá – Dedicated to Orunmila (wisdom and divination), Esu, and Osun.
Day 3: Ọjọ́ Ògún – Dedicated to Ogun (iron, war, technology) and Osoosi (hunting).
Day 4: Ọjọ́ Ṣàngó – Dedicated to Sango (thunder) and Oya (winds).
These repeat cyclically, with markets often held on these days.
Month: 7 weeks (28 days).
Year: 13 months (364 days), starting around June 3 (aligned with the Ifá festival and rainy season).
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