After hours of journey on bumpy, dusty roads, arriving his village was euphoric for Ikem.
Mama did a little praise dance when she saw him, and did some more praise-singing, showering him with edifying names when he brought out the things that he came back with.
Friends and cousins equally returned, it would be a good time.
He went greeting kith and kin, strategically launching his new clothes and holding his phone conspicuously for all to see. It’s show time for everyone and he has no intention of being the poorest looking cousin.
Christmas Eve’s night service was a hit as usual. A gathering of old, new, returnees and home bound indigenes. It is doubtful that half of the people at the church service came for the prayers.
Sweethearts fell back in the dark shadows of twilight to hold hands and whisper sweet nothings.
Young rascally boys scared the maidens by tossing penny banger’s in their direction, their squeals of fright an entertainment for them.
It’s a dreamy time of the year, lavishly spent relaxing, binge eating, showing off, going to look at and running from the masquerades, attending a lot of social events….
Eligible young men returned seeking handpicked brides from their villages.
Marriageable girls strut their stuff at Obodo Ukwu, Obodo Ububo and everywhere the opportunity rose, to attract proposals from the city boys.
Hi-Life music blares into the air till the wee hours of the night. Nuptial introductions and lots of traditional marriages are constantly taking place in one clan or the other.
Mama wants to know when Ikem would choose a wife. In fact, her heart and eyes were set on one of Ifemeka’s daughters Kanyinulia.
From Mama’s assessment, the girl is quite sturdy, with nice child-bearing hips, very industrious and pretty too! She makes her thoughts known to Ikem.
”Nna, have you seen Ozo Ifemeka’s daughter Kanyinulia?” ”That girl will make a good wife for you.” ”It is my thought that we should express our interest in her to her family.” ”Her mother is a good friend too you know..”
”Ha! Mama, please not now.” ”Maybe in a few years time.” ”Let me get to Onitsha first and see how things go over there.”
”Hei! My son, if we waste time, another family can pick her out for their son o.” ”That girl is a good catch.”
”Mama, let us pray that things go well, then next year, okay?”
He is happy he visited home. His cousin has agreed to accommodate him at Onitsha while he seeks his future.
He joins his age-grade in their outing masquerade dance.
His satisfaction is soul deep. He knows that his future holds brighter times ahead.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
Links to earlier parts of the series are at the top of the page.
Quick Glossary:
Banger: small cheap fireworks that make a lot of noise.
Ifemeka: Igbo name which means ‘things have happened.’
Kanyinulia: An Igbo name for a girl which means ‘let us be happy.’
Nna: An Igbo word for ‘father’. Mothers at times fondly call their sons by such pet name.
Obodo Ukwu: ‘The big square’ A social gathering ground where people go to be seen, to see and mingle.
Obodo Ububo: ‘The sweet/fun square’ A social gathering ground where people go to be seen, to see and mingle.
Onitsha: A city with one of the largest commercial markets in West Africa. It is situated on the river port on the eastern bank of the Niger river in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.
Ozo: A highly respected title to a worthy male indigene of a village. Not a cheap process.
Its fun to dig in my neighbours gardens and I never come up empty. Links for you to enjoy.
Leannenz photos fascinate me.
Understanding your child’s anxiety and how to help I found this article informative.
Steamed Fish lovely recipe from Katblogs.
Mega awww photos found at Chris the story reading Apes blog via Itsgoodtobecrazysometimes
Angel messages beautiful short messages that speak volumes.
A small inspiration from Yinglan.
Free yourself a message for you found at Its me Its me Saraa’s blog via Dream big, Dream often
What you shouldn’t share while on vacation by The reporter and the girl via Fun Simplicity.
Do what you love a motivating quote from the stables of Kay Morris.
Does having more money solve all our problems? For me, its a no, but I can’t speak for you.
That’s it from me folks. Have a blissful weekend. Thank you very much and God bless.
Hey! Dee-Jay, turn that music on!! 
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
Thank you so much for the mention. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 😄
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My pleasure 🙂
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Thank you for the link up! Your posts fascinate me too! I am so happy you enjoy my pictures. I love your writing! Thank you.
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I so agree about digging in others gardens! I have just started another blog for purely photos. I am going to post a photo a day. Each photo is based on inspiration from someone’s blog or a suggestion from a reader. I know I will get some inspiration at some point!
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I mean get some inspiration from YOU at some point!
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That is a very good idea 🙂 Inspiration will surely come.
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Thanks Leannenz. Enjoy a good weekend 🙂
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I enjoyed reading your story and thank you for the mention and sharing the links.
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Its really my pleasure. Do have a lovely weekend 🙂
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You too. Have an awesome weekend. 🙂
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🙂
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I’m obsessed with this post ! You’re amazing ! Thank you for this
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🙂 Thank you for taking the time to read it 🙂
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You were such a beautiful bride on your wedding day…as was your cousin!
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Thank you lovely lady Tasha 🙂
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This was the traditional wedding after which we had the church wedding. Getting married in my place is not a cheap venture!
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I wonder if she will still be available when he is ready. Beautiful photos at the bottom, Jacqueline.
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Most times, the lady would have been snapped up by a faster groom, especially if he is financially stable enough to cater for a family.
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I loved the photos it is nice to see other countries.
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Thank you very much Donna. I appreciate your comments 🙂
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Vivid descriptions and I especially love your definitions and explanations. Yours is a family of Beautiful people, Jacqueline – and that picture of you as a bride is lovely too. The expression in your eyes is of wonder tempered slightly with anxiety (of leaving home?)
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Of course anxiety of leaving my parents cozy love. I could be getting involved with a crazed eyed Anandhotep for all I knew 😉
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But you didn’t. You were a sensible young woman, you see. Wifey, on the other hand…
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🙂 luckily, I thank my stars. I would have kicked certain backsides.
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Can’t like this…can’t like this…can’t like this…
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Ah yes Ikem will do well in Onitsha. I love your village photos Jackie, really good to see!
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Thanks sis. I hope so too for his sake 🙂
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Hi Jacqueline,
Kanyinulia is such a beautiful name.
The thunderous sound of banger a.k.a knock-out is the music of the festive season, those things scare me so much. Lol
The year end migration to the east is always a happy time and a time for wife-picking. I remember a room mate at University saying that she had to buy Mac powder before traveling to the village for Christmas. She wanted her face to glow, so she’d get noticed by one of the searching eligible men. 😀
I am happy that the year ended well for Ikem, I love his optimism.
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I wonder why I am just seeing this comment
I love that name Kanyinulia. Wish I have another child to give it to. It sure is a lovely time to go home. Personally, I had a few suitors come calling at that time but I wasn’t particularly keen on the gentlemen. Yes o, the ladies have to shine well, well. It is important to glow 😉 Thanks my dear for following Ikem through his journey.
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