calendar_today Day of birth
2 calendars, 2 names
In Benin, two calendars coexist: the Gregorian (7 days) and the Vodun (4 days). This produces two different naming systems. Here is how they combine.
7 days = 7 names
4 days = 4 names
When the 2 systems meet
A child can have 2 names, Gregorian + Vodun:
History
The 4-day Vodun calendar was the traditional system before colonization. The Gregorian calendar took hold with French schooling. Today, the two coexist, especially in rural areas.
2 calendars, 1 child
In Benin, a child’s identity can be doubly anchored in time : Gregorian and Vodun. A unique cultural richness.
Behind every first name, there is a whole language.
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