Note 594 — Chapter VI · LUNAR CALENDARS AND THE WEEK

Ellis, Yoruba-speaking Peoples, p. 144. The first period, called adai, is considered lucky; the second, called ajamfo, is unlucky; while adim, the third period, has a neutral character (John Beecham, Ashantee and the Gold Coast, London, 1841, p. 187). An old writer asserts that the negroes living inland from the Gold Coast count in every month the “great fortunate time,” nineteen days in length, and the “lesser fortunate time,” of seven days’ duration. Between these periods come seven ill or unfortunate days which serve as “a sort of vacation to them, for then they do not travel, till their land, or undertake anything of consequence, but remain altogether idle” (W. Bosman, A New and Accurate Description of the Coast of Guinea, London, 1705, p. 160).