Anuri Ubochi Ekere-Simesi

Mgbe Ezi Di N'ukwu Ukwa, Mgbe Enu Di N'Ani Osa: A Flashback to N'digbo Village Homecoming 

Written and Presented by Ogbuke, F.C.  'The Cubicles Den'

Ekereasimasi: Ndị Igbo N’ụlọ na Mmiri Na-esochi Agha

Following the end of the Nigerian/Biafra war, Ndị Igbo regrouped in their Eastern homeland to rebuild their lives and communities. It was a time of faith and gratitude, as many Igbo people, predominantly Christians, turned to God to thank Him for survival amidst the horrors of the war. Christmas, or Ekereasimasi, became a moment of reconnection, a way to assess who survived the genocide, and an expression of brotherly and sisterly love.

Ụtụtụ dị jụụ n’okirikiri mgbe ifufe oyi hammerthan na-achapụ mmiri Atlantic si Lagos Island ruo na mbara igwe Southeast. The markets were bustling with activities. Onitsha Main Market, the largest in West Africa, became the hub of commerce, attracting buyers and sellers from across Nigeria and beyond. Major markets like Ogbete in Enugu, Ariaria in Aba, and the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos saw heightened activities as people prepared for Christmas.

Ndị Ezinụlọ: Ọsọ Ọsọ na Apụta Ije Obodo

Families coordinated their travel plans for the Christmas season. Women and children were often the first to travel to the village between the 21st and 23rd to clean and prepare the family homes. The nwa boyi (apprentice boys) and their masters typically arrived later on the 24th. Those delayed by business engagements came as late as the 27th.

Ụmụ obodo ahụ na-enwe obi ụtọ mgbe ha na-ahụ ụgbọala ndị mmadụ na-abịa maka Ekereasimasi. It was common to see youngsters eagerly watching along village paths for the first arrivals, rushing home to announce the presence of a family member or visitor.

Ọgbọ Na-egbuke Egbuke: Ama Ime Obi-ulo na Akpụtụ Ngosi na ụbọchị akara aka elugo

Villages came alive with festivities and activities, from inter-village soccer competitions to marriage ceremonies, Ozo title conferrals, and Offala festivals. Young men and women gathered in their finest attire, engaging in the vibrant social life that marked the season.

Markets in the northern trade routes like Obollo Afor, Ninth Mile, Ochanja Market, and Ose Okwodu were busy with trucks bringing in goods, including cows, tomatoes, vegetables, new brands of Abadas, and Garwood jeans for the oculus. Ọgbọ Ogbete Market in Enugu, Gariki/Port Harcourt Expressway, and Ninth Mile Corner thrived with commercial exchanges.

Obodo Noo N'Oge Aṅụrị: Ugo Ebere na Mgbagbu, O na-akpụtụ, ya kpotuba

The period was marked by various communal activities, including house-to-house visitations. Villagers shared their joys and challenges, with some reporting financial disputes or business issues to local deities and community leaders. Liquor consumption was high, and celebrations were lively.

Ụmụ agbọghọ na ụmụnwanyị na-apụta n’uwe kacha mma ha, na-achọ ihe ọma ga-abayere ha na di. Girls and young women looked radiant in their best dresses, hoping to attract suitors or simply enjoy the vibrant festivities.

(Ogbuke Nwa Igbo Ọma Na Njem Ndị Igbo)

At the close of Ekereasimasi, reflection and thanksgiving were common. Ndị Igbo saw the season as a time to solidify family ties, resolve disputes, meet with old acquaintances, and strengthen their faith and business relationships.

"Ekereasimasi bụ oge obi ụtọ na ụbọchị ndị dị iche iche nke Igbo na-eme ka ha dị ike site na mmekọrịta, njikọta, na intune ako n'uche nke ọchịchị Chineke."

Merry Christmas!