Iri Iji
Yam is the most important food crop in Igboland. Evidence of this is borne by the cultural significance attached to iri ji in Igbo land.
The traditional Igbo society is mainly agrarian. Emphasis is placed on farming and the cultivation of sufficient food to last until the next food harvest. Special emphasis is placed on yam cultivation. The traditional Igbo man takes pride in showing off his yam barn neatly stacked with yam tubers from top to bottom. It signifies wealth and success.
In the days of old, a common question asked by a bride’s father when a young man signifies his intention to marry his daughter is “how big is your yam barn”? A big yam barn means the man is hardworking and can take care of his daughter.
The iriji (new yam) festival was described by Odumegwu- Ojukwu (erstwhile Biafran Leader) as the “culmination of a work cycle and the beginning of another.” It is a time of thanksgiving to God for making the farm yields possible and praying for good yields next planting season.
The Iriji festival is celebrated at different times within the various Igbo communities, varying from August until October every year.
The solemn role of eating the first yam is performed by the oldest man or Eze (traditional ruler) of the community. (Different Igbo communities have different names for their traditional rulers.) It is believed within the traditional communities that their position bestows on them the privilege of being intermediaries between their communities and the gods of the land. Infact many traditionalists and title holders in Igbo land will not taste the new yam until the day traditionally set aside for it.
At the Iriji festival only dishes of yam are served. The oldest man or the traditional ruler is normally the first person to eat the new yam and thereafter every other person can eat it.
There is feasting, dancing and merry making on this auspicious day. Masquerades of all shapes, sizes and description appear and dance in the market square. Crowds of people gather round the market square to watch the display.
In primordial times masquerades were believed to be spiritual elements that specially reincarnate into human forms for the purpose of celebrating the new yam festival. It signifies the approval of the gods in the celebration. Thus communities venerate and indeed fear these spirits for their own safety. Uninitiated members of the community are expected to run away from the masquerades on sight or risk being cursed by them with devastating consequences.
Stories are rife within Igbo communities of persons who were cursed by masquerades and suffered terrible diseases. Arondizuogu (a notable Igbo community) is famous for its Ikeji festival and powerful masquerades with magical powers.
The new yam festival is an event that should be seen by every Igbo son and daughter. It is an epitome of the beauty of Igbo culture.