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Shona calendar

Days[]

Sunday SVONDO
Monday MUVHURO
Tuesday CHIPIRI
Wednesday CHITATU
Thursday CHINA
Friday CHISHANU
Saturday MUGOVERA

Months[]

The months in Shona are named after relevant events to the Shona. Things involving spiritual activities and agriculture, as well animals and fruits serve as derivatives for month names. For example, November, known as Mbudzi in Shona, means goat. This is a sacred month, many activities such as marriage, eloping, and (kurova makuva) tomb rituals are forbidden; this time is also seen as a time when most goats are pregnant. Therefore, killing goats is seen as taboo during this month. Another example would be August, known as Nyamavhuvhu, meaning the windy one, as this is the windiest month of the year.

English Shona Meaning
January Ndira The time we harvest hohwa hwe ndira (Ndira type of mushrooms)
February Kukadzi Female
March Kurume Male
April Kubvumbi Month of showers
May Chivabvu Last green maize
June Chikumi Halfway through (chikumi) of the 12 months (zigumi) in the context of the 12 months of the year.
July Chikunguru Chikungurutsa janga. The time where we have the wind that has a rolling effect on the maize and plant stalks that have been left over after harvest.
August Nyamavhuvhu The time we have the blowing wind.
September Gunyana The time where gunyana gweshiri (nestlings) start showing up after the windy months.
October Gumiguru Tenth month
November Mbudzi Translates to Goat.During this month, goats are said to not give birth. As such, it is considered a taboo for a couple within the Shona societies to get married in November.
December Zvita A time of giving thanks for having made it through the year. Derived from Mazvita, which means 'thank you' in Shona.

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