X-Nico

4 unusual facts about Annual Customs of Dahomey


Annual Customs of Dahomey

The Annual Customs of Dahomey (xwetanu or huetanu in Fon) were the main yearly celebration in the Kingdom of Dahomey.

King Agaja (1718-1740) further centralized the ceremonies under the king and the royal dynasty.

These ceremonies were largely started under King Agaja around 1730 and involved significant collection and distribution of gifts and tribute, human sacrifice, military parades, and discussions by dignitaries about the future for the kingdom.

King Houegbadja (c. 1645-1685) changed this widespread practice during his reign by making it so that sacrifices or gifts to spirits would have to be done by the king.



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