1. Nso Nwanyi (The Sanctity of Womanhood)
In traditional Igbo society, women observe a practice of living separately from their husbands during their menstrual periods. During this time, they are not permitted to cook for their husbands or enter their husband’s quarters, as they are considered ritually unclean. This practice persists in some parts of Igboland, particularly among traditionalists.
For instance, before a woman can enter the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, she is asked if she is in her period. If she is, she will be requested to stay outside.
Biblical Reference:
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.”
2. Ala Obi (The Sacred Ancestral Land)
In Igboland, an individual’s ancestral heritage, known as “Ala Obi,” is regarded as sacred and is not to be sold. Elders strictly prohibit the sale of this land. If anyone sells it, often under Western influence, they are considered foolish and may be ostracized by the community.
Biblical Reference:
1 Kings 21:3 – “I inherited this vineyard from my ancestors, and the Lord forbid that I should sell it,” said Naboth.
3. Ikuchi Nwanyi (Levirate Marriage)
Traditionally, the Igbo people practiced levirate marriage, where a man would marry the widow of his late brother. This practice has become less common today, mainly observed in rural villages.
Biblical Reference:
Deuteronomy 25:5 – “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.”
4. Igba Odibo (Traditional Apprenticeship)
In Igboland, there is a unique form of apprenticeship where a young male, either from the family or community, works for another family for six years. In the seventh year, the head of the host household sets the apprentice up in business or provides him with the tools or capital needed to become independent.
Biblical Reference:
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 anything.”
5. Iri Ji (New Yam Festival)
Yam is a staple crop in Igboland, and its significance is celebrated through the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji). This annual celebration is held to ensure a good harvest. In the past, it was considered an abomination to eat the new harvest before the festival, as the first yam was traditionally offered to the gods as a sign of thanksgiving.
Biblical Reference:
Deuteronomy 16:9-10 – “Count seven weeks from the time you begin to harvest the crops, and celebrate the harvest festival to honor the Lord your God, by bringing him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing he has given you.”
6. Ibe Ugwu (Circumcision)
Circumcision on the eighth day after birth is a long-standing tradition in Igboland that continues to be practiced today.
Biblical Reference:
Leviticus 12:3 – “On the eighth day, the child shall be circumcised.”
7. Omugwo (Postnatal Care)
In Igbo culture, “Omugwo” refers to the period after childbirth when an experienced relative, often the new mother’s own mother, comes to stay with her. This relative takes over the household duties, allowing the new mother to focus solely on nursing her baby. Traditionally, during this time, the new mother lived separately from her husband and refrained from cooking or entering his quarters.
Biblical Reference:
Leviticus 12:1-4 – “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.”
These traditions, practiced by our ancestors long before the arrival of Christianity in Igboland, reflect the deep cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Igbo people.
