They say that living in the heavens with Chukwu were a group of primordial beings who not only existed in the immediate outer heavens to Chukwu, but also carried out some jobs under his/her directions. One of the most beloved and prominent of these primordial beings was EDO female divinity. She was believed to be a special favourite of Chukwu who loved her because she was very industrious, full of initiative and diligence.
Owing to these admirable qualities in EDO, Chukwu gave her the special privilege of his/her staff of office-a piece of his/her long scepter made of nzu(white chalk), and also a small clay pot of water. With these materials, the nzu and the small clay pot of water, EDO was sent out by Chukwu to go and survey the firmament. But unfortunately, EDO’s adventurous spirit carried her beyond the firmament. Lost beyond the firmament, EDO began to grind and spray the nzu all over the place. These sprays solidified and formed land. This was how EDO made land with the nzu. But the rest of the nzu EDO broke into four small pieces and put in the water pot.
Presently, Chukwu found EDO tired and lonely on the land she had formed. Chukwu took pity on EDO and promised to give her companions to keep her company. So he/she put his/her right hand into the pot and took out the first piece of nzu and named it Otolo(First son), the second piece Uruagu(second son), the third Umudim and the fourth Ichi. Then Chukwu blew some breath out of his/her mouth and the force of the breath shook the four images and they began to move, talk and behave. Then EDO told them ‘I am the mother of you all Nnewi and the land on which you walk is Ana-Edo(The Land of Gold)-that is, my prize from Chukwu because the nzu with which you are made and of which the land is made is my special gift and privilege from him/her. So these four sons are the four villages which make up Nnewi town and EDO is their common heritage and mother of all.
Today in Nnewi, EDO is the greatest divinity and her veneration transcends all other foreign religious practices. The EDO cult is firmly rooted and observed by Christians, Traditionalists and all. The Edo festival is observed in two ways. One by the women every seven years and one by the men every nine years. During this great festival, all sons and daughters of Ana-Edo come home to celebrate the Ikwu-Aru Edo meaning ‘Rededication of body and Soul to EDO’. The venue of this grand festival is at the square or spot where EDO first landed. This Ikwu-Aru Edo lasts for a whole week marked by music, dancing, feasting and all round revelry; the town is in the gayest festive mood.
With love and blessings from Ala-Igbo(The Igbo people)!
Light and Void
pic source: Google images