Year Naming among the Bahaya and Contemporary Morality

Abstract

This article attempts to explain the historical development and significance of the year naming practice among the Bahaya. Despite the vitality of this practice like many other traditional practices in Africa, the year-naming practice is facing several setbacks including contending with the forces of change and modernity, hence in danger of disappearing. As a result, the year naming practice among Bahaya regardless of their intrinsic value and relevance face the danger of being sidelined in various forms. This philosophical analysis of this practice, therefore, can illuminate on the values enshrined in year names since they serve as the catalyst frontiers of contemporary Bahaya and Tanzanian society generally, where morality is a principle of responsibility and an index of humanity. Towards this end, the article contends that year naming is not only symbolic but also a source of and a means for preserving morality.