The Shona calendar is used by the Shona people in Southern Africa. The original calendar had 13 months and was based on the lunar cycle.
Days Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Months The months in Shona are named after relevant events to the Shona. Things involving spiritual activities and agriculture, as well animals and fruits serve as derivatives for month names. For example, November, known as in Shona, means goat. This is a sacred month, many activities such as marriage, eloping, and () tomb rituals are forbidden; this time is also seen as a time when most goats are pregnant. Therefore, killing goats is seen as taboo during this month. Another example would be the month of August, known as , meaning the windy one, as this is the windiest month of the year.
EnglishShonaMeaningJanuaryThe time we harvest (where means a kind of mushrooms)February FemaleMarch MaleApril Month of showersMayLast green maizeJune Halfway through () of the 12 months () in the context of the 12 months of the year.July. The time where we have the wind that has a rolling effect on the maize and plant stalks that have been left over after harvest.AugustThe time we have the blowing wind.SeptemberThe time where (nestlings) start showing up after the windy months.OctoberTenth monthNovemberTranslates to Goat. During this month, goats are said to not give birth. As such, it is considered a taboo for a couple within the Shona societies to get married in November.DecemberA time of giving thanks for having made it through the year. Derived from , which means 'thank you'.
See also Xhosa calendar Zulu calendar Sesotho calendar
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