Culture

Key Takeaway: A major cultural and spiritual occasion, the naming ceremony in Igboland—known as Izu Ahịa Aha Nwa or Afa Nwa in the native tongue—marks the formal admission of a baby into the family and society. This ritual celebrates life, identity, and the passing on of lineage, not just about assigning a name. In Igboland, Nigeria, a newborn's naming ritual is among the most significant rites of passage, and the birth…

Key Takeaway Among the most significant and beloved customary holidays among the Igbo people of Nigeria, the New Yam Festival—known as Iri Ji or Ikeji in Igboland—is It signals the conclusion of the agricultural season, the start of the harvest, and the close relationship among the Igbo people, their forebears, and the land. Celebrated with tremendous energy and respect, the New Yam Festival is a time-honored custom in Igboland. For the…