Monday, November 24, 2025

The Concept of Monday Money in Yoruba Mythology

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Don't Be Defeated By A Bad Omen

For the Yoruba, Mondays (Ojo Aje) aren’t just “ugh, back to work” days—they’re sacred. Known as Ojo Aje, or “the day of Aje,” Monday is all about wealth, prosperity, and getting your week started on the right foot. So, who’s Aje? She’s the ancestor (Orisa) of wealth, money, and social abundance. Think of her as the ultimate guardian of your Monday hustle. And here’s where it gets interesting: the Yoruba believe that if you meet someone with an Oloriburuku personality—basically, a walking bad omen—first thing on Monday morning, Aje might just bail on you before you even start your transactions. Yikes, right?


That’s why you’ll notice Yoruba people take Mondays seriously. It’s not just superstition—it’s about setting the tone for your week. Shops open with a sense of ritual energy, markets buzz with intention, and greetings like “Aje a wa O!” (“Orisa Aje is coming to visit”) remind everyone that the universe is watching—and that a little mindfulness goes a long way. In short, Monday is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a sacred threshold, a moment to align your energy with prosperity, and maybe, just maybe, make sure you avoid that one person who could derail your week.

Proper Monday Money Etiquette Yoruba Take Seriously (And You Might Want To Too)

For the Yoruba, Monday isn’t just the start of the workweek—it’s a sacred day, known as Ojo Aje, devoted to Aje, the deity of wealth. Every transaction, greeting, and gesture carries weight, and there’s an intricate etiquette to follow if you want to navigate it smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Ojo Aje Rules for Commerce and Courtesy:

1. Debt and Payments

Mondays are delicate. You cannot ask a Yoruba person to repay a debt, no matter how pressing. And if you’re paying them, avoid using your left hand—even if it’s your money and you’re the customer. On Ojo Aje, the wrong hand is more than a faux pas; it’s a taboo. Respecting these subtleties ensures the flow of Aje remains uninterrupted.

2. Customers and Bargains

On Mondays, the saying “the customer is always right” takes a backseat. In fact, Yoruba traders treat the first customer of the week as extra special. This first encounter—known as “Mo fi s’ewo ni”—is believed to set the tone for the day and, by extension, the week. A first customer often receives the best deals, as the trader hopes for a profitable, blessed start. Timing and politeness can pay off more than assertiveness.

3. Courtesy Over Confrontation

Swearing, harsh tones, or impatience around a Yoruba trader on Monday is frowned upon. Instead, approach with a warm smile and respectful demeanor. Courtesy is a key part of preserving both your luck and the trader’s Aje.

4. Loans and Financial Requests

Mondays are off-limits for borrowing money—even for major family emergencies like a father’s burial. Similarly, asking a Yoruba person to pay bills or rent on Monday is considered inappropriate, as any financial strain can disturb the sacred energy of the day.

5. Meticulous Observation

Expect Yoruba traders to be hyper-aware on Mondays. Every encounter, every greeting, every detail—traffic, weather, clothing choices, even tone of voice—can carry spiritual significance. A bad Monday could be interpreted as a warning for the rest of the week. 

This clairvoyant sensitivity, or Ifura, is highly respected in Yoruba culture, captured in the saying: “Clairvoyance is the charm of old wise men (Ifura l’ogun agba).”

Why It Matters

Ojo Aje is more than superstition; it’s a cultural compass. It reminds everyone—from trader to customer—that the mundane world is laced with spiritual undertones, that wealth is sacred, and that mindfulness and respect can create a week of abundance.


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