Steemit Engagement Challenge Week 2 || Share your Country's Culture | by beckie96830

Source

Introduction

Nigeria is a country well known for the diverse cultures, languages, religions, and traditions that exist among its citizens.

While the languages might sound alike, there's always this element of distinction that exists either with the way they prepare their native food or their religion.

For instance in Igbo land, there are different categories of Igbo languages that the dwellers speak and their way of life is different even among neighboring villages.

One good thing to note is that, as a typical Igbo man or woman, whatever type of Igbo language is spoken, you would be able to hear to an extent. It's safe to ask questions if you're lost in the conversation.

Because of these numerous traditions that exist, the way of life of the people is deeply affected. Everything that has to do with tradition has been passed down from generation to generation; untouched, unfiltered, unaltered, unadulterated even hatred.

Though, with the introduction of Christianity and the steady ground it has in the life of most families, some villages have settled their life-long quarrels and moved on with the trend.

In this post, I'll be sharing with you the way of life of the people in my village where I come in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

Origin of Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State

My Local Government Area is Isiala Mbano located in Imo State, Nigeria. It has its headquarters situated in Umuelemai, one of the towns that make up the LGA.

Aside from Umuelemai, other towns include; Umuduru, Osu-Owerre, Nnato Nweafor, Asu-Ama, Anara, Umuosu, Amausari, Amaraku, Obollo, Umunkwo, Ogbor, Uguri, Ibeme, and Oka.

As they're different towns, so are their way of life. The different towns have a lot of similarities in their activities and if you haven't experienced life in at least two different towns, you wouldn't know the difference.

I highlighted Ibeme because it happens to be the town I'm from. So it's safe to say that I am from Ibeme in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State.

My town is still developing and I can confidently say that the rate of development is at an increasingly rapid one all thanks to the indigenes.

The elders both home and abroad meet at least twice a year at the King's Obi (Seat out) to discuss the way forward in making the town look and feel more like a town.

In Ibeme we celebrate Ibeme day any day between the 26th to 6th of January. Also within that time frame, football matches hosted by notable men in the town will be held.

Donated Football items

During traditional weddings, the mothers make sure to prepare their all times special which is Kidney beans with shredded cassava which in my language it's called Akidi and Abacha

This is one of the important dishes the elders ask for. Others include Abacha and Ugba, Ukwa, and Fresh Palm wine.

It's not like they don't eat other conventional dishes, they do, but the traditional dishes always take the top spot.

Also, the lady getting married must share toiletries with all the single ladies within her village. If she can't visit all the houses personally, she'll send some of her cousins or sisters (if any).

The married women available will visit the bride-to-be's house to assist in cooking for the wedding unless the girl has a contract cook.

@beckie96830 in traditional attair

Our dress code is mostly traditional attire with beads. Traditional attire differs but what distinguishes an Igbo traditional attire from others is the way it's being sown and worn.

During traditional weddings, it's traditional attire the bride wears all through the day. There's no room for changing to English wear unless the day has already ended.

Conclusion

Igbo culture is by far one of the most beautiful cultures that exist in Nigeria. It's not because it's my culture that makes me gloat about it but based on testimonies of people who have experienced it.

I love my culture and I appreciate other cultures that exist in my country. I've had the opportunity to experience different cultures and I must say, I enjoyed it.