obitọn

Yoruba

Alternative forms

• ọbịtụn, ọbụntụn (Akure, Ekiti)
• ọbuntun
• obutọn (Owe)

Etymology

A widespread term in most dialects of Yoruba. The term is also likely associated with rituals and ceremonies associated with virginity and maidenhood. Proposed to be derived from Proto-Edekiri *ɔ-bɪtʊ̃, *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃, see Proto-Yoruba *ɔ-bʊtʊ̃. Also see Ifè àbitɔ̃

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ō.bī.tɔ̃̄/

Noun

obitọn

1. (Ondo, Ọwọ) maiden, newlywed bride

   Synonyms: omidan, wúńdíá, ọ̀ṣìngín, ọmọụ́dọn

2. (Ondo, by extension) a traditional coming of age dance and rite performed by young women; see àpọ́n, the equivalent in young men

Related terms

• kúnsi (“young bridesmaid”)

References

• Akinsipe, Felix A. THE DEVELOPMENT OF OBITUN DANCE FROM THE PUBERTY RITE OF THE ONDO PEOPLE [1], October 2015