Ije Omen'ala - Our Cultural Journey

Hi guys, it's my first blog in August and so it seems natural for me to delve into cultural stories. Omen'ala means Culture hence the title of Ije Omen'ala (Our Cultural Journey).

I enjoy Igbo culture a lot, perhaps borne out of how much time I spent at the village in my younger days. I would complain then that we traveled home for everything under the sun - Christmas holidays merged into New Year's, Easter, New Yam Festival and every other celebration in between. I struggled with this until I got to a point in life where these frequent travels stopped. Guess what guys, I started to miss going home to the villa. Who would have thought.

It's even worse now. When I am able to look beyond the stress of international travel, the noise of generators, the traffic and the heat..... I really do long to visit home as often as I can.

So, where I come from, people would rather travel home in August when compared with the typical December migration to the South East. The reasons vary. For some, it's the simple fact that fares are not hiked in August unlike in December which is peak season. Another reason could be that imagination that you're off on summer holidays like every other person in the world. Haa Haa Haa. But for my people it's simply to celebrate the New Yam Festival "Iri Ndi" which would usually fall on Eke Mbo being the last Thursday in August. You cannot even begin to imagine the fanfare attached to this festival.

With the benefit of being from my place of birth, (a lovely village called Okoko Item in Bende, Abia State), I have grown to enjoy culture devoid of anything fetish. Do not get me wrong, those who are practicing the fetish part of culture are still many oh. However, I had a different view growing up. It's in simple things like the traditional wine carrying which is prolonged just because the wine cannot be poured but must be scooped cup by cup from the large pot until every drop has been served to the guests. Also in the simplicity of the Plain George wrapper which is our traditional material. It's also in the possibility of eating New Yam in the village square without the fear of being poisoned.

There is the traditional coming of age where new age grades are introduced to the community, then the traditional retirement when the elderly are relieved from their public duties to the community. Every single event is done with so much pomp and pageantry. I am a village girl oh, do not be deceived. Haa Haa Haa.

Ok I won't talk much about being chased by masquerades. That's the part of my culture I could gladly walk away from. I always tell people that there is no small masquerade oh. So long as you you are behind a mask - Achumpu, Udunkulu, Ijele, Superman, IronMan/Sango, Batman, Eyo, Ulaga, Barney........there is a story somewhere where a spiritual exchange has been made (argue with yourself if you do not agree with me).

There is the War Dance, the most graceful dance ever - Google is your next best option if you've never watched a live performance. When I am able to look past what my 'brothers' carry in their baskets, I can just enjoy the rhythm and dance flow.

Igbo Culture is fantastic and I do not think we should delete any part of it. Now I am from Zion and so I am learning to be careful with what part of my Igbo culture I expose myself to because there is still so much done in secret yet unspoken about publicly. I recently watched a traditional wedding ceremony infused with a lot of significance from Zion and I felt ever so proud and yes I now believe the Igbos share a lineage with the Jews. Lol

At this time, many people may be getting ready for August meeting, thankfully that is not a 'thing' where I am from. I know many abroad women have tried to introduce it but it has not gained traction. However, without a shadow of doubt, I will be sure to receive photos from the New Yam Festival holding in a few weeks time.

What is that piece of culture that you still appreciate regardless of where you are currently? Share with us in the comment section. Till I come your way again next Thursday, do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram; our handle is ije_journey.

Have a beautiful day and stay connected.

Ije......Journey

Photo by Samson Ejim on Unsplash