5 REASONS WHY I LOVE NIGERIAN CULTURE

For those who are new to my blog, I’m first generation Nigerian-American. My mom is Igbo and my late father was Yoruba. My parents migrated to the United States in the early 80’s for school, met in Connecticut and the rest was history. Growing up in a Nigerian household meant I was exposed to two completely different cultures. Also, I wasn’t given an American or English name, so that meant people had to learn how to say (most times butcher) my entire first name, Olayinka.

Today Nigeria turns 58 and I want to share 5 reasons why I love being Nigeria and the rich culture:

1. Traditional Clothing – I’m sure you have seen the colorful printed fabrics, typically referred to as Ankara, and detailed laces that Nigerians wear, along with the skyscraping head ties. There’s also Aso Ebi, which is a Yoruba word that literally means cloth of the family. It is used to refer to the outfits made from matching fabric and patterns worn by family members.
2. Food – Even though my family lived in America, I grew up eating 80% Nigerian food at home. the only time I ate non-Nigerian food was at school or the very few times my mom would buy my fast food as a treat. Till this day I love making jollof rice, moi-moi, efo riro (spinach stew), okra soup, egusi soup, pounded yam and puff puff. If you want to check out some authentic Nigerian recipes take a look at @9jafoodie, @foodace or @matsecooks on instagram!
3. Celebrations – Whether it’s a milestone birthday, wedding or naming ceremony, Nigerians know how to have a good time. I love attending any Nigerian celebration because I know the food will be amazing and I can’t wait to dance to Afro-beats music until my feet hurt. Also, it’s a cultural norm for the celebrant of the event to be sprayed money, usually single dollar bills while on the dance floor. Spraying money is such a symbolic action in Nigerian ceremonies and it’s also a lot of fun to spray someone!
4. Education – In a Nigerian household education is something that isn’t taken lightly. I appreciate the value my parents and family members instilled in me to encourage me to always strive for the best in any educational path I decide to pursue.
5. Traditions – There are some cultural norms being Nigerian:
   • Three Weddings – This is typically a traditional wedding, court wedding, and your civil/white wedding. Not everyone makes an event for all three but if you get the chance to attend all three, you’ll have so much fun!
   • After-Birth Care – Depending on the tribe it’s referred to as Omugwo, Itoju Omo or Umaan. After a mother gives birth to her baby, her mother-in-law comes to the home to help take care of the new mother and baby. Everything is done for her—including household chores, bathing the baby, massaging the new mother’s tummy, cooking special meals and so on. If a mother-in-law is unavailable for an omugwo, the woman’s own mother or a close relative can take up the mantle. This tradition normally lasts for at least three months.
   • “Sunday Rice” – This is a weekly tradition in most Nigerian homes. Looking forward to a traditional dish after church services makes every Sunday complete for some. Sunday rice is typically plain-white rice and stew (made with tomatoes, spices, and pepper) with chicken, beef, or fish. However, on special occasions, it could be jollof rice, yam or any other traditional dish.
   • Greeting Elders – It’s social etiquette transcends common pleasantries and is actually a statement of respect and upbringing. A few things to consider when greeting an elder in Nigeria, including ethnic background and gender. For instance, the Yoruba tribe requires a female to kneel on the floor or curtsy to greet an elder, while males are expected to bow to the ground, prostrate, or squat.
   • Right Hand Only – Nigerians see it as a sign of disrespect to greet, hand over, eat, or collect things from people with your left hand unless you’re left-handed. It’s even worse when the person you extend your left hand out to is older than you.

If you are Nigerian or have Nigerian friends, I’m sure you can relate to the above! Do you have a family or cultural tradition you love? Let me know in the comments below!

xo Yinka

Shirt | Skirt (Nasty Gal – sold out)  | Jewelry | Sneakers

Photography: Norman Oates