Christmas globally as well as in Nigeria is a family event. A celebration for Christians which is done annually on the 25th day of December. It’s also a day when the Christian community celebrates and jubilates in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Christmas season is a period of fun and merriment all across the world, and also known as ‘Oge Ekeresimese’ in Igbo language, which is a predominant tribe of the people in the southeastern part of Nigeria, in west Africa.
A region where her people are predominately traders. People of these regions (Igbo people) involvement in trading can be traced back to the lower from C.A.D. 1500 to the mid-nineteenth century. Additionally, in historical research to generate the origin of the economic institutions of the Igbo people, it traces back to the archaeological sites at Igbo-Ukwu. There is also the discovery of long-time regional trade in things like, salt, beads and others, in the early days.
For a traditional Igbo Trader, the Christmas season means a lot of things, depending on how one tend to look at it. Based on the results which is generated from interviewing some Igbo traders in Nigeria, they have these to say on what Christmas means to them.
A Quick Sale Period
Mr. Ebuka Onyemachukwu, a dealer in assorted Car Tiers, he said; “For me, I’m a dealer in assorted car tiers and considering that Christmas is a period where a lot of people want to travel to the village for one thing or another. It’s a period where we make quick sales. As you know, lots of people travelling will like to change if not one, all of their car tires this period and that is why you can see lots of customers trooping in and out. So, for me it is a period when we have ‘rush’ in sales and my brother, it’s very good for business.
A Relaxation Time
Mr. Ugochukwu Uzomba, who is a general merchandizer in the interview said; “Christmas for me is a relaxation period. A time when after the year’s hustle and bustle we take the two or three weeks of the holiday period to rest in the village. Within these two or three weeks as the case may be, we lock our shops and travel with our kids to see their grandmother, cousins, other family members and also friends. The kids and the whole family also use the Christmas period as a platform to learn more about the traditions and culture of their fatherland”. He concluded by saying that for him, Christmas aside from being a period kept aside for the memorial celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it’s also a time to rest and relax with family and friends.
A Celebration Time
With Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuemeka, he explained that for him, Christmas is a celebration time. It is a time when Many families throw parties. Some start the celebration by throwing parties that might last all night long on Christmas Eve! Then, on Christmas Morning, We have to attend thanksgiving service or mass in the church to worship God and thank him for His grace and the gift of life to see and celebrate another Christmas. Furthermore, when the mass or service to God has ended, we stay behind to greet our friends and relations before heading home for more merriments and celebrations.
At home, people start to decorate their houses and street and most times with a lot of Christmas trees and others. He, however, concluded that Christmas to him is also the time to visit people who are celebrating and celebrate with them and additionally it’s a time to catch up with old friends and family members.
Visitation Time
Mrs. Onyinyechukwu Ukaegulem a trader from Imo state, she noted that After returning home for Christmas, the next in line is to visit relatives and friends who have also returned from “far and near” to chat with them as they present kola nut, food, drink among others. Furthermore, she added that Christmas for her is a period for visitation. Christmas without doubt is a period that has more events and ceremonies when compared with every other period. So, People take advantage of the Christmas period because a large number of people will be returning home. Hence, families and people in general organize different parties, weddings, and events since there will be a lot of crowds so it’s time to attend those parties and events. She concluded by saying that; “attending parties, ceremonies, and others are what Christmas is about”.
Generally, Igbo Traders without doubt sees Christmas as a time where many family members unite together to have fun and celebrate together. They also share the view that it is the right time for traders especially those that live in the cites to take their children home to enjoy their childhood like; play firecracker, visit grandparents, visit and socialize with family members, visit Santa Claus (Father Christmas). It’s also the time for them to learn more about tradition and culture, attend Christmas carols, eat village Jollof rice and other continental delicacies, among others.
Christmas season holiday undoubtedly is one of the seasons that bring life and fun in the Igbo land as it brings Igbos from far and wide back home. For an Igbo trader, the most important concept of Christmas to Igbo them aside from a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, it’s a time when they “Lock/Close” their shops for more than one week (which is what they rarely do), in other to celebrate with family and friends.
