The Igbo have functioning traditions and customs that shape the society before the advent of the missionaries. Why many converts are criticising the Igbo traditions, it is pertinent to highlight some of the Igbo tradition that contained in the bible and to remind Ndigbo of our rich cultural heritage. These include:
Ala Obi (Ancestral land inheritance): Igbo men are entitled to ancestral land inheritances (Ala Obi) which are not permitted to be sold in Igbo tradition. This is covered in 1 king 21:3 “I inherited this vineyard from my ancestors, and the Lord forbid that I should sell it, said Naboth”
Nso nwanyi (Women menstrual period): In traditional Igboland women live apart from their husbands and neither cook for them or enter their husband's quarters when they are in their period. They are seen as unclean. This is still applicable in some parts of Igboland especially by the traditionalists till date. Woman in their period are allowed into the palace of Obi of Onitsha to today. This is documented in Leviticus 15: 19-20 “When a woman has her monthly period, she remains unclean; anyone who touches her or anything she has sat on becomes unclean”.
Ikuchi nwanyi (Re marrying a late husband brother): In the traditional Igbo society, women re-marry their late husband’s brother to look after them and their children, but this seldom happen this days. Deuteronomy 25:5 says “A widow of a dead man is not to be married outside the family; it is the duty of the dead man's brother to marry her.
Iri ji ohuru (New Yam festival): Yam is not only an important and staple crop in Igboland, it is also seen as symbol of life and survival, hence the new yam celebration. The new yam festival (Iri ji) is celebrated annually to thank the gods for pumper harvest and to pray for the new farming season. This is recorded in Deuteronomy 16:9 “Count 7 weeks from the time that you begin to harvest the crops, and celebrate the harvest festival to honour the lord your God, by bringing him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing he has given you. Celebrate in the Lord's presence together with your children, servants, foreigners. Be sure that you obey my command, said the Lord”.
Ile omugwo (Taking care of nursing mother): The practice of supporting and taking care of a nursing mother and family by an experienced and close relative remains vibrant amongst the Igbo and in the Igbo society till today. Leviticus 12:1-4 says “For seven days after a woman gives birth, she is ritually unclean as she is during her monthly period. It will be 33 days until she is ritually clean from the loss of blood; she is not to touch anything that is holy”.
Ibe ugwu (Circumcision): The circumcision of male children amongst Ndigbo and in the society is still practiced till today. This takes place the 8th day after birth. This is documented in Leviticus 12:3 “On the eighth day, the child shall be circumcised.”
Igba odibo (Apprenticeship): The igbo has a successful apprenticeship system which has been recognised by the world recently. This involves a young Igbo boy spending about six years with a relatives or a community member learning a trade after which he is supported to start his own trade/business. This is recorded in Exodus 21:2 “If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve you for six years. In the seventh year he is to be set free without having to pay you anything”
Which other Igbo traditions and customs have you spotted in the bible?. Get in touch or comment below.
