Xhosa months

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Traditionally, Xhosa months were named after plants or flowers that grew or seasonal changes that happened during that time of the year. The year began in June and ended in May, when Canopus, a large star visible in the Southern Hemisphere, signalled the time for harvesting. In urban areas, particularly among the younger generation, anglicized versions of the months are used. However, in rural areas, Xhosa poetry, and particularly in the Eastern Cape the old names are still used.

  • in January - ngeyomQungu (month of the Tambuki Grass)
  • in February - ngeyomDumba (month of the swelling grain)
  • in March - ngeyoKwindla (month of the first fruits)
  • in April - ngekaTshaz'iimpuzi (month of the withering pumpkins)
  • in May - ngekaCanzibe (month of Canopus)
  • in June - ngeyeSilimela (month of the Pleiades)
  • in July - ngeyeKhala (month of the aloes)
  • in August - ngeyeThupha (month of the buds)
  • in September - ngeyomSintsi (month of the coast coral tree)
  • in October - ngeyeDwarha (month of the tall yellow daisies)
  • in November - ngeyeNkanga (month of the small yellow daisies)
  • in December - ngeyomNga - (month of the mimosa thorn tree)

[edit] See also

[edit] Sources

Kirsch et al., Clicking with Xhosa, David Phillip Publishers, Cape Town, 2001, p.44

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