Embracing Our Heritage: Lessons from Egba-Eze Ibagwa-Aka and Christmas Celebrations

By

Ejikemeuwa J. O. NDUBISI*

Culture is the living expression of a people’s history, values, and identity. It is through cultural practices and communal celebrations that a society remembers its past, strengthens its bonds, and transmits its heritage to future generations. For the people of Ibagwa-Aka, one of such important cultural expressions is the Egba-Eze festival, a celebration organized in honour of the traditional ruler (Eze) and the institution of kingship. Like many traditional festivals across Igbo land, Egba-Eze represents more than mere festivity; it symbolizes communal unity, respect for traditional authority, and appreciation of the historical roots of the people.

Traditionally, the Egba-Eze festival brings together sons and daughters of Ibagwa-Aka from different walks of life. Regardless of differences in religious affiliation, social status, or geographical location, the festival provides an opportunity for the community to reconnect with its cultural identity. It is a moment when the people collectively affirm their respect and loyalty for the Eze, celebrate their common ancestry, and strengthen the bonds that hold the community together.

However, in recent times, questions have arisen concerning the participation of individuals who profess certain religious beliefs, especially Christianity, in such indigenous cultural festivals. Some argue that participation in traditional celebrations may conflict with their religious convictions. While these concerns may be sincere, a deeper reflection on our social reality reveals that the relationship between culture and religion need not be antagonistic.

A useful point of comparison is the celebration of Christmas. Originally and essentially, Christmas is a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet in contemporary society, the celebration has gone far beyond the boundaries of the Christian faith. Today, Christmas is widely celebrated across the world not only by Christians but also by people of different religious and cultural backgrounds. Families gather, communities organize festivities, gifts are exchanged, and people share in the joy of the season.

It is important to observe that people participate in Christmas celebrations in different ways. Some approach the festival with deep religious devotion, attending church services and reflecting on the spiritual significance of the birth of Christ. Others participate mainly at the social or cultural level: sharing meals, enjoying entertainment, and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, there are also instances where some individuals engage in activities during the festive season that contradict the moral ideals associated with the celebration. Yet despite these excesses, no one concludes that Christmas itself is evil or should be abandoned. Instead, a distinction is made between the essence of the festival and the behavior of those who celebrate it.

This same reasoning should guide our understanding of the Egba-Eze festival. The fact that some individuals may introduce excesses or inappropriate conduct during the celebration does not invalidate the cultural significance of the festival itself. Every human institution is susceptible to misuse, but the proper response to such misuse is reform and guidance, not outright rejection.

Indeed, every culture evolves through critical reflection. When certain elements of a cultural practice appear inconsistent with moral values or rational judgment, communities have the responsibility to refine those elements while preserving the core values of the tradition. To abandon the entire cultural heritage because of some undesirable aspects would amount to losing valuable elements of identity and history.

There is also a deeper issue at stake. In many cases, African societies have readily embraced cultural practices that originate from outside their traditions while showing hesitation or even hostility towards their own indigenous heritage. While it is commendable to appreciate and adopt valuable elements from other cultures, it becomes problematic when such appreciation leads to the neglect or rejection of one’s own cultural foundations.

The Egba-Eze festival should therefore be understood primarily as a cultural and communal event rather than a religious obligation. Participation in the festival does not necessarily imply theological endorsement of every traditional belief associated with it. Rather, it can be seen as an expression of solidarity with one’s community, respect for traditional institutions, and appreciation for the cultural legacy handed down by our ancestors.

Furthermore, culture plays a crucial role in shaping the moral and social identity of a people. When communities lose touch with their cultural heritage, they risk losing the sense of belonging and continuity that sustains collective life. Festivals such as Egba-Eze provide occasions for cultural education, social integration, and intergenerational dialogue. Through them, younger generations learn the history, values, and traditions of their people.

The responsibility therefore lies with the people themselves. If there are aspects of our cultural festivals that appear incompatible with sound moral reasoning or contemporary sensibilities, we must engage in constructive dialogue to reform them. Cultural reform is not a sign of weakness but a mark of maturity and wisdom. As the popular proverb reminds us, we must not throw away the baby with the bathwater. Instead, we should carefully preserve what is valuable while improving what needs improvement.

Let me remind us that embracing our cultural heritage is an affirmation of who we are as a people. No one can appreciate, preserve, or promote our traditions better than we can . Through recognizing the cultural significance of festivals such as Egba-Eze and participating in them with dignity and responsibility, we ensure that our heritage continues to enrich our communal life.

The lesson from both Egba-Eze Ibagwa-Aka and Christmas celebrations is therefore clear: cultural and religious identities can coexist harmoniously. Appreciating our own traditions does not diminish our faith; rather, it deepens our understanding of our place within a community shaped by history, memory, and shared values. Embracing our heritage is not merely a cultural duty, it is a way of safeguarding the soul of our people for generations to come.

In all, let’s allow practical reason to prevail!

*The author is a Professor of Philosophy at Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria. You can share your thoughts with him on the above subject via WhatsApp: +2348062912017