NaijaPositive.com

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Advice on Respect in the Yoruba Culture

Yorubas like most Africans believe in respect for elders, extended families (with the attendant family obligations), strength of character, patience, wisdom, taking care of one's kids, etc.

Also in Yoruba culture men are required to prostrate/bow to their elders, whereas women are required to kneel/curtsey. It is a sign of disrespect and lack of good upbringing to profer the left hand for a handshake, or to use the left hand to give something to someone.

When choosing a spouse, it is always ensured that their is no hint of historical relationships between the bride and the groom. If a discernible link can be found even if it were 20 generations back, such a marriage is considered an abomination.

You do not talk back to elders/leaders even when you don't like what they say.

Africaman