Hey lovelies 😍
It's your favorite girl @debbie-ese ❤️
Welcome to my blog 🤗
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I welcome you all to my blog for another insight into some of the cultural practices across Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa with over 200 million people and of course, so many diverse cultures and traditions.
There is a popular saying that "there is no place like home". Wendy Wunder, also says that "the magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back".
The above quotes explains the motive for the popular AUGUST MEETING among the Igbo people especially some group of women that hail from the Eastern part of the country. The month of August of every year is a special one to the Igbo women as it is characterized by a large event in the matrimonial homes of these women. These women travel to their villages from far and near, some even travel from abroad to grace this great occasion that holds once a year.
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Many years ago, before civilization crept into the Igbo culture there use to be a townhall meeting that holds once in a month but it became a thing of the past when most people have traveled to neighboring cities and villages in quest for their daily needs. At these time, women were not allowed to express their interest, and opinions due to the patriarchal system that is predominant in Africa and Nigeria as a country, so the August meeting is an avenue for women to come together to discuss about issues relating to their communities and contribute towards developing their hometowns.
The effect of the August meeting is massive that they contribute money towards a particular project for the year which will make living easy for the people living in the village. They could decide to build schools, health centers, provide borehole water and so on. The aftermath of August meetings in the Southeast part of Nigeria have made life easy for people residing in rural communities.
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The meeting or gathering is often four days long and several activities are highlighted for each day. There are dancers that entertain the people, food and drinks are available for as many that want to have some. It is always a great atmosphere. It is indeed a period of time when women and obviously men (their husbands) come together to discuss about their community, enjoy quality indigenous entertainment and foods.
Also, this event is an opportunity for women to show off their wealth. Most people would have been planning for the August meeting since the beginning of the year, making plans about the expensive clothes, bags, jewelries and cash they want to spend. Some may end up running into debt just because they want to feel among and not be left out when their friends are spending.
Above all, the major aim is achieved and that is unification of igbo women from far and near coming together to develop their hometowns.
Thank you for your time lovelies.
The post is originally written by me 💕@debbie-ese💕
