Origin Of New Yam Festival (Iwa ji) Of The Igbo People

[Shedrach]

Origin Of New Yam Festival (Iwa ji) Of The Igbo People



For the Igbo people of Nigeria, the New Yam Festival, also known as Iwa ji, is one of the most significant cultural events of the year. The festival, which typically takes place between August and October, is a celebration of the harvest season and a time to give thanks to the deities and ancestors for a bountiful yield. The festival is steeped in tradition, with various ceremonies and rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation. The festival also serves as a time for cultural renewal, as people come together to reaffirm their identity as Igbo and to strengthen the bonds of community. In this article, we will take a closer look at the origins, history, and cultural significance of the New Yam Festival of the Igbo people.

1. Introduction to the New Yam Festival (Iwa ji) of Igbo People
Definition of New Yam Festival
The New Yam Festival, also known as Iwa ji, is an annual cultural festival celebrated by the Igbo people of Nigeria. The festival is dedicated to the yam crop, which is considered a staple food in Igbo land. It is a time of thanksgiving and celebration for a good harvest and marks the beginning of a new planting season.

Origin of New Yam Festival
The origin of the New Yam Festival can be traced back to the early days of the Igbo people. According to oral tradition, the festival was introduced by the god of agriculture, known as Ahiajioku. The deity was believed to have taught the people how to cultivate yam and the importance of celebrating a successful harvest. The festival has since become an integral part of the Igbo culture, with various communities celebrating it from August to October each year.

2. Historical Significance of Yam in Igbo Culture
History of Yam cultivation in Igbo land
Yam cultivation has been a significant part of Igbo culture for centuries. The Igbo people are believed to have migrated to their present location in southeastern Nigeria about 2,500 years ago, bringing with them yam seeds from their original homeland in the Nile Valley. They cultivated yam as their primary crop and developed sophisticated farming techniques, including the use of mounds and irrigation systems.

Traditional beliefs and myths surrounding Yam
Yam is not only a staple food in Igbo land but also holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. In Igbo mythology, yam is believed to have been the first crop created by the gods and is often associated with fertility and masculine power. Yam is also believed to have healing properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

3. Traditional Rites and Ceremonies of the New Yam Festival
Egwu Iwa Ji (New Yam Festival Dance)
The Egwu Iwa ji is a traditional dance performed during the New Yam Festival. It is an expression of joy and thanksgiving for a successful harvest. The dance is performed by men and women dressed in colorful traditional attire, accompanied by the beat of drums and other instruments.

Oko Aya (Yam Cutting Ceremony)
The Oko Aya is a ceremony that marks the first harvest of yam. It is usually performed by the oldest man in the community who declares the yam tubers fit for consumption. The ceremony involves cutting the yam with a specially designed knife while prayers and incantations are recited.

Ijele (Masquerade Performance)
The Ijele is a masquerade performance that is usually the climax of the New Yam Festival. It is a spectacular display of art and culture, with performers wearing elaborate costumes and masks representing animals, spirits, and other mythical beings. The performance is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to the community.

4. Preparation and Harvesting of Yam for New Yam Festival
Yam Varieties and Cultivation Process
There are different varieties of yam cultivated in Igbo land, including white yam, water yam, and yellow yam. Yam is usually planted in April or May using a mounding system, and the crop takes about six to eight months to mature. The soil is prepared by clearing the land, applying organic manure, and digging mounds to improve drainage.

Harvesting and Preservation Process
Harvesting of yam usually begins in August, and the first tubers are set aside for the New Yam Festival. Yam is usually harvested using a digging fork, and the tubers are carefully extracted from the soil. After harvesting, the yam is dried in the sun for a few days before being stored in a cool, dry place for preservation.5. Symbolism and Cultural Significance of New Yam Festival

Yam as a symbol of prosperity and fertility

The yam is a sacred crop that plays a critical role in the life of the Igbo people. It is believed to be a symbol of prosperity and fertility, and its cultivation requires a significant amount of effort and dedication. During the New Yam Festival, the Igbo people pay tribute to their ancestors and the deities for a bountiful harvest.

The role of New Yam Festival in promoting communal unity and social cohesion

The New Yam Festival is an annual celebration that brings the Igbo people together. It is a time when family and friends come together to feast and celebrate the harvest season. The festival helps to promote communal unity and social cohesion, as it provides an opportunity for people to connect with one another and share their cultures and traditions.

6. Modern Day Celebrations of New Yam Festival

Evolving practices and customs of New Yam Festival

Over the years, the celebration of the New Yam Festival has evolved to include new practices and customs. For example, in some communities, the festival now includes cultural displays and performances such as masquerades and traditional dances. Additionally, the festival has become more commercialized with vendors selling food, clothing, and souvenirs.

The impact of Christianity and Western education on the celebration of New Yam Festival

The introduction of Christianity and Western education has had an impact on the celebration of the New Yam Festival. Some Igbo people who have converted to Christianity no longer celebrate the festival, while others have merged Christian practices with traditional customs. Western education has also affected the festival, as some Igbo people have moved away from their ancestral homes in search of better educational and economic opportunities.

7. Challenges Facing the Continuity of New Yam Festival in Igbo Land

Changing cultural values and practices

The continuity of the New Yam Festival in Igbo Land is threatened by changing cultural values and practices. In some communities, the younger generation is less interested in traditional customs and practices, preferring instead to embrace Western culture. This has led to a decline in the celebration of the festival.

Environmental and economic factors affecting Yam cultivation

Environmental factors such as climate change have also affected the cultivation of yams, threatening the continuity of the New Yam Festival. Changes in weather patterns and natural disasters such as droughts and floods have made it challenging for farmers to cultivate yams. Additionally, economic factors such as the cost of farming inputs, lack of access to markets, and low returns on investment have made yam cultivation less attractive to young people.The New Yam Festival of the Igbo people is not just a celebration of the harvest season but also a commemoration of the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The festival's importance to the Igbo people cannot be overemphasized as it continues to serve as a way of promoting unity, social cohesion, and the preservation of cultural values. As the challenges facing the continuity of the festival in modern times continue to surface, it is essential that efforts are made to ensure that this significant aspect of Igbo cultural identity continues to thrive and evolve with the times.

FAQ

What is the meaning of the New Yam Festival (Iwa ji)?
The New Yam Festival (Iwa ji) is a cultural celebration of the harvest season of the Igbo people in Nigeria. It is a time to give thanks to the deities and ancestors for a bountiful yield and to promote social cohesion and unity within the community.

When is the New Yam Festival celebrated?
The New Yam Festival is typically celebrated between August and October at the onset of the harvest season.

What are some of the traditional rites and ceremonies of the New Yam Festival?
Some of the traditional rites and ceremonies of the New Yam Festival include the Egwu Iwa Ji (New Yam Festival Dance), Oko Aya (Yam Cutting Ceremony), and the Ijele (Masquerade Performance).

What are some of the challenges facing the continuity of the New Yam Festival?
Some of the challenges facing the continuity of the New Yam Festival include changing cultural values and practices, environmental factors affecting Yam cultivation, and the impact of Christianity and Western education on the celebration of the festival.