Rulog Blog In Africa
CULTURE IN NIGERIA
The Binis, also called the Edo people, are a people of the South South region of modern Nigeria; they are said to be around 3.8 million as of the 21st Century. They are ruled by monarchs, and are famous for their Benin Bronzes. In the pre-colonial period, they controlled a powerful empire. They are an ethnic group that is primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria in smaller concentrations. The language they speak is called the Edo language. The Bini people are closely related to several other ethnic groups that usually speak Edoid languages, for example the Esan, however it is important to address the fact that the name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, which came from the word "Ubinu", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440. The word "Ubinu" was used to depict and portray the royal administrative centre or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. The word "Ubinu" was later corrupted to Bini by a number of mixed ethnicities staying together at the centre, and it was then further corrupted to Benin around the year 1485 at the time when the Portuguese people started making trade relations with Oba Ewuare.
Hausa-Fulani culture
The Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups are said to be one of the largest ethnic groupings in Nigeria, if not the largest, with a population of over 20 million people. The Hausa and Fulani live in the northern part of Nigeria. Both are in fact different tribes, but are often counted as one due to cultural similarity. The bulk of the Hausa-Fulani population is mainly centered in and around the centres of Sokoto, Kano and Katsina, which are said to be important market centres on the southern area of the trans-Saharan caravan trade routes.
Long before the arrival of the Fulani people, the Hausa had already formed and made well-organised city states; some of these states include Katsina, Daura, Kano, Zazzau (Zaria), Biram, Gobir and Borno. However some of these states were conquered, taken over and re-established by the Fulani people which then led to the formation of a few other kingdoms such as Katagum, Hadejia and Gombe. The arrival of the Fulani people into Hausaland brought about great changes in the land, which included the introduction of Islam. This then ended up playing a significant role in the social life and culture of the Hausa people. In outlook, education, dress and taste, the Hausa people and their counterparts the Fulani have become a significant part of the Islamic world; this said influence still remains until the current day.The Fulani practice the art of whipping a suitor before giving his bride to him as parts of their marriage obligation. This particular obligation has helped to increase the practice of monogamy among themselves, and it is called sharo. The Fulani people are also nomadic in nature; this nomadic lifestyle spread them into virtually all of West Africa. They are extremely tolerant of the languages of other people around them, leading to the suppression of theirs - especially in northern Nigeria by Hausa.
The Hausas, on the other hand, are said to be very good merchants. This helped spread them to some areas around Nigeria. They have monarchs, are known for celebrating the Hawan Sallah festival, and are also followers of the religious teachings of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio.
TRADITION OF NIGERIA
Festivals
The New Yam Festival is celebrated by the Igbo. This traditional harvest festival is celebrated in August. The people dispose of any old yams the day before the festival. On the day of the festival, the oldest man in the village or the leader offers yams to the gods and then eats the first serving. Everyone joins in the feast, eating different dishes made with yams.
Courtship
Nigerian courtship
is a fascinating tapestry of rituals, customs, and beliefs that provide a unique glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. It involves both families and is steeped in rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the most captivating aspects of Nigerian courtship is the concept of love charms. It’s believed that certain objects or substances possess mystical powers to enhance one’s romantic prospects. From special herbs to enchanted beads, these love charms are used to attract a potential partner or strengthen an existing relationship. Traditional families play a significant role in the courtship process, and the approval of parents and family members is often sought before a relationship can progress. Elaborate ceremonies are also a hallmark of Nigerian courtship. From traditional engagement ceremonies to weddings, these events are colorful, lively, and full of cultural significance. They are often characterized by music, dance, and feasting, and are seen as an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the union of two individuals. The exchange of gifts and dowry is also an integral part of these ceremonies and symbolizes the commitment and respect between the families involved. Despite the strong influence of tradition, Nigerian courtship is also evolving with modernity. Urban areas in Nigeria are witnessing a shift towards more modern dating practices, with young people embracing elements of Western dating culture.
Religious Beliefs In Nigeria
Nigerians in earlier times were free to put faith in whatever and whoever was most dear to their tribes and themselves. It was a trust in nature and animism that projected itself in giving strength and value to that worshiper. Indigenous religions soon became an important tradition of Nigerian society and maintained moral order. This traditional worship was done through an intermediary who gave favor only after a blood sacrifice.
The arrival of Muslims in Nigeria put a stop to these sacrifices, and Islam became firmly established in northern Nigeria. The introduction of Christianity began with the arrival of British missionaries in the middle and southern regions of Nigeria. Today, while almost all Nigerians are either Christian or Muslim, many continue to mingle these faiths with indigenous beliefs. This mix of religious practice is a result of Nigerians’ traditional belief in freedom of worship.
Shia Islam
The Sokoto state in Nigeria is where Shia Islam flourishes, with close to 6.0% of the total population of the country as adherents. This estimate varies, however, and there are though to be between 2 and 4 million Nigerian members of the Shia faith. Ibrahim Zakzaky, a Muslim cleric and head of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, was responsible for introducing Shia Islam in the country in 1979 as a student. As an activist type of cleric, Zakzaky was arrested couple of times due to civil disobedience.
Comments
Post a Comment