Things That Might Surprise You About Yoruba Culture And Traditions

The documented history of the Yoruba people begins with the Oyo Empire, which became dominant in the early 17th century. 

The older traditions of the formerly dominant Ile-Ife kingdom are largely oral in nature.

Oral history recorded under the Oyo Empire derives the Yoruba as an ethnic group from the population of the older kingdom of Ile-Ife. 

The Yoruba were the dominant cultural force in southern and Northern, Eastern Nigeria as far back as the 11th century. The Yoruba are among the most urbanized people in Africa.

Yoruba communities traditionally live in agricultural compounds, and many practice their native religion featuring a vast pantheon of deities. 

The Yoruba are also famed for their music, define by one of the most complex drumming cultures in the world.

The history of the Yoruba people begins in Ile-Ife. This kingdom was founded by the deities Oduduwa and Obatala, who are believed to have created the world. 

Oduduwa was the first divine king of the Yoruba people, and Obatala fashioned the first human beings out of clay.

Oduduwa was not only the first ruler of a unified Ife, but also the progenitor of various independent royal dynasties in Yorubaland, and is today venerated as “the hero, the warrior, the leader, and father of the Yoruba race”. 

Oduduwa had only one son whose name was ‘OKANBI’ alias ‘Idekoserake’

Traditional Yoruba beliefs hold that all people experience Ayanmo, which is destiny or fate. As a part of this, there is an expectation that everyone will eventually achieve the state of Olodumare, which is becoming one with the divine creator who is the source of all energy.

Yoruba is one of the numerous tribes in Nigeria.

This ethnic group, like every other ethnic group, are known for their religious as well as cultural belief and traditions some of which are funny and nothing but just myths and superstitions (if you ask me).

Anyway, here are 10 funny beliefs of Yoruba people

1. Pregnant women must attach safety pin to their clothes

Yorubas believe that it is wrong for a pregnant woman not to attach safety pins to her clothes. That way, she is merely inviting spirits to possess her unborn child.

The safety pin (like the name goes), sort of protects the foetus and keep it safe from the spirit roaming about.

2. It is wrong to play with an umbrella when it isn’t raining

A person who plays with an umbrella when it isn’t raining is only inviting a non-stop rain on his/her wedding day.

3. Do not whistle at night

When you whistle at night, you’re simply calling on snakes and other reptiles into the house.

4. Egret gives white fingers

If you want white fingers, all you need to do is sing a song calling on egrets (leke leke) to give you white fingers.

5. A pregnant woman shouldn’t walk under the sun

As believed by the Yorubas, when a pregnant woman walks under the sun (especially around 1 pm), she’ll give birth to a disfigured child. So, pregnant women are advised to stay away from the sun.

6. Don’t beat a male child with a broom

The Yorubas believe that when you beat a child with a broom, you’ll render him impotent.

7. It’s bad to drink coconut water

According to their belief, when a person drinks coconut water, the person will become dull.

8. Do not look at a mirror at night

According to the belief of the Yorubas, it is wrong to look at a mirror at night because, instead of seeing your reflection, you’ll see a ghost.

9. A piece of thread can magically stop hiccups

This works well with infants, according to their belief. When an infant is experiencing hiccups, just put a piece of thread on the child’s head to stop the hiccups.

10. Do not cross over a person and vice versa

If a person crosses over you, your offspring will look like that person except the person crosses over you back.