Post-Colonial Ibo Culture
1914: Nigeria was known as “Colonial Nigeria” and was mostly controlled by the British
The country was divided into 3 different regions: Northern, Eastern and Western
New forms of constitution and politics were developed
Ibos people were being bought and used as slaves
1950s-1960s: Nigeria finally won its independence from England
Festivals/ Holidays of the Ibo Culture
Means for peace and order and primarily used as law enforcement agents
They would expose bad habits, crimes or misbehaviors of individuals
Colorful robes and masks
Held in accordance with community native calendars
Associated with spiritual elements representing deities or dead relatives
“In spite of this incident the New Yam Festival was celebrated with great joy in Okonkwo’s household. Early that morning as he offered a sacrifice of the new yam and palm oil to his ancestors he asked them to protect them, his children and their mothers in the new year” (Achebe 39).
“The Feast of the New Yam was approaching and Umuofia was in festival mood. It was an occasion for giving thanks to Ani, the earth goddess and the source of all fertility” (Achebe 36).
Annual cultural festival held at the end of rainy season in early August
Practiced throughout West Africa, other African countries and beyond
Symbolized conclusion of harvest and beginning of the next work law
Ties individual Ibo communities together as agrarian and dependent on yam
“In fact he recovered from his illness only a few days before the Week of Peace began. And that was also the year Okonkwo broke the peace, and was punished, as was the custom, by Ezeani, the priest of the earth goddess” (Achebe 29).
“No work was done during the Week of Peace. People called on their neighbours and drank palm-wine. This year they talked of nothing else but the nso-ani which Okonkwo had committed. It was the first time for many years that a man had broken the sacred peace” (Achebe 30).
“One of the greatest crimes a man could commit was to unmask an egwugwu in public, or to say or do anything which might reduce its immortal prestige in the eyes of the uninitiated. And this was what Enoch did. The annual worship of the earth goddess fell on a Sunday, and the masked spirits were abroad” (Achebe 85).
Colonist Festivals and Holidays
The British had much control over many aspects of the Igbo tribe including culture, regions, and religion. The British brought over their own festivals and holidays, much which include many of our own festivals and holidays. Some of these festivals and holidays are as follows:
- Christmas
- Halloween
- Easter
- Valentine's Day
- Candlemas Day/ Feb. 2
This day marks the middle of the winter season - from the shortest day of the year to the Spring Equinox. This day also celebrates the cleansing of Mary.
- St. George's Day (England's National Day)/ Apr. 23
Celebrating with parades, some people celebrate St. George who is said to have defeated a dragon. The day is celebrated with parades and parties and flags with "St. George's Cross" are flown.
- May Day - May. 1
This day is celebrated beautifully with may poles and flowers. It is traditionally a celebration of spring and fertility.
- Notting Hill Carnival - August
On this day, there is a street festival that millions go to see and participate in every year. The parade include colorful floats, bands and many other attractions.
Similarities between the cultures include their use of decorations, time with family, dancing, etc.
For instance:
- The British and Igbo celebrate Christmas by hosting feasts, decorating their home, playing music, dancing with guests, and offering their servants gifts and no work.
- The Colonists and the Igbo celebrate their cultures’ national holidays such as Nigerian Independence Day and St. George’s Day.
On the other hand they also share some differences:
Unlike the colonists, the Igbo culture celebrates the Weak of Peace.
- The Weak of Peace is the unification of tribes and appeasement of the gods.
- Failure to celebrate a holiday can have harsh consequences such as death.
Other different festivals incluce the Yam Festivals and Masquerades.
Before and After: Masquerades
Before
In the precolonial times, only men wore the masks
Masks represented dead wives and maidens
If you broke the tradition you were publically humiliated and they would tell you what your bad habits were
After
Are mostly just celebration for entertainment
Are used for tourist attraction
Now the masks represents the spirits of the dead
How does this relate to the text?
The novel, “Things Fall Apart”, takes place in Nigeria around the turn of the 19th century. Around this time, Europeans began to invade Nigeria and influence the way that Nigerian tribes lived. In the novel, Okonkwo experiences the pre- and post- European imperialism which allows the reader to see how the Ibo tribe acted before and after British control. Throughout the novel, we see many examples of the holidays and festivals that the Ibo people celebrated and participated in, and how they changed due to British colonization. For example, the book talks about how Okonkwo and his family participated in the Weak of Peace, New Yam Festival and Feast, and ceremonial masquerades.