The Yoruba are an ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria and southern Benin Republic in West Africa who share a rich history and culture.
Here are eight interesting facts about the traditional Yoruba culture:
- According to Yoruba mythology, all Yoruba people are descendants from the hero Odua or Oduduwa.
- The language of the Yorubas, known as Yoruba, belongs to the Congo-Kordofanian language family. The language has many dialects, but most of its speakers are able to understand each other.
-
The Yoruba homeland is located in west Africa, with most Yoruba living in Nigeria. There are also some scattered groups in small neighbouring countries, Togo and Benin.
-
The Yoruba are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.
-
The Yoruba are a very sociable and expressive people who commemorate major events with colorful festivals and celebrations. Weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals and even housewarming parties are celebrated in a lavish and ceremonial nature.
-
As many as 20 percent of the Yoruba still practice the traditional religion of their ancestors. A large number of modern Yoruba also combine traditional Yoruba beliefs with modern day religions such as Islam and Christianity.
-
About 75 percent of the Yoruba men are farmers, producing food crops for their domestic needs. Women help plant yams and harvest corn, beans, and cotton.
-
The Yoruba present the highest rate of twin births in the world. This may be because of high consumption of a specific type of yam containing a natural phytoestrogen which may stimulate the ovaries to release an egg from each side.
Twins are very important for the Yoruba; they are given special names and inspire wooden sculptures.
There are hundreds of others but I will allow you to list them out.
Are you a true omo Yoruba?
Add Yours
Drop your comment below
Leave a Reply