IGBO TRADITIONAL RITES OF PASSAGE: A STUDY OF CONCEPTION/PREGNANCY AND BIRTH IN IDEATO-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

Rites of Passage is a period when a person reached a new and significant changes in their lives. It is something, nearly all societies recognized and often performed. Most rites of passage helped the person to understand their new roles in the society. The significant stages of biological growth and development in the human life cycle entail the assumption of conception/pregnancy and birth. For proper understanding of these rites, the researcher looked into the two phases of rites of passage; such as conception/pregnancy and birth rites in Ideato-North Local Government Area of Imo State and the possible reasons for their institution. In an attempt to accomplish this work, it was divided into some sub-headings. Firstly, the introduction of the study which gave a foretaste to what the study was all about. The research was limited to Ideato-North Local Government Area. The purpose of this study was to highlight and analyze the two Rites of passage; conception/pregnancy phase and birth phase and also to take an in-depth look at the way the new generation of Ideato-North people look at these rites of passage. This study was to suggest or recommend ways of improving the level of rites of passage in Ideato-North, to inculcate sound moral conduct in growing children. The study would serve as one of the cultural documentations of traditional beliefs & practices. The result of this research would also serve as an awareness among Ideato-North people in the way foreign culture affected their traditions. This study is a survey research. The older people were interviewed to identify the state and position of these rites in the past, while the young ones aimed at highlighting the changes, problems and future of these rites. In literature review, the researcher reviewed some authors’ works from textbooks, journals, projects and theses. The significance of this study is that it will serve as reference literature to historians, anthropologists, sociologists, students and teachers of Igbo culture who wished to investigate further on the topic. With the coming of Christianity, civilization and social changes, most of these rites of birth were greatly influenced. People’s attitude towards birth changed totally from what it used to be. Again, the naming ceremony has been taken over by child dedication or baptism which is done as a sort of thanksgiving to God for bringing forth the new child into the world. The study was not only essential to Igbo people but also to anybody who might be interested in Igbo culture. The findings also revealed that the Igbo people more especially those in Ideato-North L.G.A of Imo State attach more importance to pregnancy and birth as far as marriage is concerned. To them, procreation is the main objective and reason for marriage.