"Weekly Contest 55//The Diary Game//Cultural day in my children school

picture taken by me with my phone

Today Wednesday being 11th of March 2026 started with the normal routine of waking up. Praying to God for keeping us alive. Preparing the children breakfast and preparing them for school. But instead of wearing their normal school uniform to school, they were on traditional attires to school. They took their breakfast which is a cup of hot tea and bread before leaving the house.

The house felt so quite except for my little baby who is whimpering for attention. I fed, bath and cuddled her to sleep. I now posted my business online to see if I can get customers today. While still on my phone, the school children came back.

They started gisting me on how their cultural day went. How they danced and was served abacha, a local delicacy. I served then their afternoon food of eba and vegetable soup I cooked two days ago. They continued with their discussion after eating while I left them to tidy the house.

THE DIFFERENT ATTIRES AND IT'S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE IGBO CULTURE

My first daughter was wearing two wrapper, a blouse and a gele which symbolizes cultural pride, maturity, modesty, and high social standing, particularly during traditional weddings, festivals, and church ceremonies. It signifies a woman’s deep connection to her heritage, representing the "pride of the Igbo woman" and confirming her status as a fully matured, respected lady.

• Two Wrappers (Obiakwa/Obi Ogodo): This traditional attire, often made of luxurious fabric like George or Ankara, represents femininity and elegance. Tying two wrappers is a sign of modesty, respect for one's husband, and adherence to tradition.
• Gele (Head Gear/Ichafu Isi): The gele, often made of stiff fabric, represents a crown, signifying a woman's strength, beauty, and confidence. It completes the outfit, enhancing the wearer's appearance and highlighting her status.
• Cultural Significance: This attire is central to Igbo tradition, commonly worn for ceremonies to demonstrate cultural identity and respect for the occasion. It acts as a symbol of dignity and is often accompanied by coral beads, which further denote wealth and status.
• Marital/Social Status: Historically, the style of the headtie and the number of wrappers worn could indicate a woman's marital status and social position.

My second daughter was tying a piece of Ankara on her chest and waist while adorning herself with a waist, neck and head beads. These beads are called jigida in our local language. This attire is for young maiden that are not yet married. The beads are to enhance her beauty. In Igbo land the waist bead symbolises wealth, fertility and femininity.

Lasty my son was seen tying a wrapper over a singlet and trouser which typically signifies a traditional, respectful, and culturally rooted appearance, often worn during special occasions, ceremonies, or Sunday services. This style represents a blend of modern convenience (the singlet and trousers) with traditional heritage (the wrapper), demonstrating pride in Igbo culture.

When I finished tidying the house it’s already evening, my children took their evening bath and made a bowl of goldenmorn by themselves as their supper. We prayed and everyone retired to their room for night sleep.

I will like to call on @entity01 , @saintkelvin17 and @dequeen to participate in this amazing contest organised by @m-fdo

Hope your day was great today, see you in my next article , bye.