Assumption and Iri-ji Mbaise: Any connection?

Jarlath Uche Opara

15th of August holds two important events for an average Mbaise person . As a proud Mbaise man and as an astute Catholic.It is so significant for them, treating this date with levity becomes as difficult as squeezing water from a rock of Gibraltar.

This date provides a confluence between their origin as an Mbaise and their unique identity as a Catholic.

In Igbo land, particularly in Mbaise, yam holds great symbolic significance. It is often seen as a symbol of sustenance, fertility, and abundance. It is considered a staple food in many Igbo communities and deeply rooted in their cultural practices and traditions.

During festivals like Iri-ji Mbaise, yam is offered as a symbol of thanksgiving and prosperity.

It is believed that, the size and quality of yams harvested sometimes reflects the wealth and status of an individual in the community. Little wonder many of their fore fathers married plenty wives. Not necessarily because of deep libidonous feelings, but more on the quest to have more people that would help in cultivating a large expanse of their yam farm.

In the novel “Things Fall Apart” Okonkwo married three wives Ekwefi, Ojiugo, and Nkechi. He didn’t marry them for fun.

Having multiple wives elevated Okonkwo’s status in the community, as it was a sign of wealth and success in Igbo society. It demonstrated his ability to provide for and support a large household, showcasing his prosperity and influence. Most importantly, having many wives and children increased his workforce, aiding him in farm work and other responsibilities, which further solidified his reputation as a hardworking and respected member of the community.

That was how it was then in Igbo land. With the advent of Christianity, all that have changed. However, the culture of New Yam festival is still a cultural heritage that defies western modernization.

Today in Mbaise, ndi Eze, ndi Ezeji, ndi Nze na Ozo, ndi Chief and every other person of substance, note , class, influence and aura would in the awe of their resplendent attire come out to celebrate the new yam festival.

It is good therefore at this point to make this clarification. The yam that would be eaten today is not the one planted this year. It won’t be this year’ yam since it takes nine to eleven months before a yam is harvested. It is the ones planted last year and harvested late last year or early this year that would be used.

As yam and its celebration is central to the beingness of an average Igbo man ( Mbaise) so is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven in her incorruptible nature is central to their belief system as Igbo-Catholics.

An average Mbaise person is a core Catholic who lives, drinks, walks, sleeps etc Catholicism. Though many have used it as a joke or some form of mockery that every family in Mbaise has a priest. As much as it is hyperbolic, it succinctly shows however the depth of Catholicism in Mbaise, flourishing like a tree planted by the river bank and growing like cedar of Lebanon.

For emphasis, and also to show you the strength of an Mbaise man, I will explain briefly what Cedar Lebanon is.

It is a majestic and ancient tree that holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is known for its tall stature, strong wood, and distinctive appearance with horizontal branches that form a flat-topped crown.

The Cedar of Lebanon has been revered for centuries in various cultures and religions for its beauty and symbolism of strength, longevity, and resilience.

Without sounding hyperbolic, that is who an average Mbaise man is, both in culture, religion, commerce and other enterprises.

Though there may be other undisclosed reasons why Iri-ji Mbaise has always fallen on the 15th day of August, which is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. This however is the author’ perceptive, out of his personal musings.

Let us roll out drums for Mbaise Nation today and always! Let us pop champagne for the deep cultural and religious mixture, producing a powerful blend, better described as a seamless Tra-religious assimilation.

This is a call for us all to go back to our traditions and begin to initiate this Tra- religious assimilation. Those cultural heritage or traditions we think are dirty can be christianized through this assimilation of culture and religion.

Igbo land is blessed with good cultural festivals. Instead of throwing the baby with the bad or bath water, the baby can be saved, while a new water reintroduced for a more refreshing impact.

To my Catholic family, happy Assumption. To my Mbaise family happy Iri-ji Mbaise.

Mbaise wu oke mba! Let nothing destroy this beautiful heritage of theirs.

Politicization and money- bag virus shouldn’t be allowed to affect the sacredness and integrity of this Iri-ji.

It can neither be seen nor heard to be eroded by shameless show of shenanigans and greed for peanuts by the custodians of this heritage.

Mbaise’ unique relationship with yam isn’t in its cultivation, many tribes do that better. It is rather not in its consumption, other cultures are also better off here. Their uniqueness with yam lies in its celebration.

They celebrate it with pomp and pageantry , like Umuofia Village in Things Fall Apart. A great festival that serves for socio-cultural and religious integration.

Long live the entire Catholic faithful all over the universe!

Long live Nigerians!

Long live Mbaise worldwide!

Jarlath Uche Opara Jarlathuche@gmail.com