Ilo Mmuo Festival And What You Need To Know About It

Ilo Mmuo Festival And What You Need To Know About It

Before and after the introduction of western education and its culture into Igbo land, “ILO MMUO” festival did play a prominent role in the lives of the Igbo nation. Today, because of Christianity it has been abandoned, neglected and finally forgotten or abandoned by the Igbos.

Initially, the celebration was associated with “UFIEJIOKU” (New Yam Festival) held in honor of the god of agriculture. This festival has been quickly replaced by Christians as CHURCH HARVEST and CHRISTMAS DAY, an annual public holiday on 25th of December.

Critically examined, I consider the two festivals one and the same. The only difference may be in the name and method; otherwise both events are approached with the same zeal and marked with bright and cheerful hearts while praising God, the creator of the universe and inhabitants therein including the traditional worshippers, Muslims, Hindus and Christians, who were originally non-Christians, before they were converted in the nineteenth century Nigeria.

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“ILO MMUO” in its true perspective is a day set aside just like Christmas or Easter for thanksgiving to an invisible God because of His endless love, care, abundant harvest and giving us all things that make life worth living, bringing forth the new yams that are being celebrated.
These yams are shared out to our visiting daughters married out to near and distant lands and their children (grandchildren).

During the visit, our married daughters have to come with carefully pounded cocoa yam and bitter leaf soup richly prepared or well garnished and two gallons of palm wine. Each daughter has to put “MGBAAKULU” (A special type of fish round in shape) on top of her food before presenting it to her father or eldest brother (if their father is dead).
The presentation ceremony is normally carried out at the “OZIOBI” (Central Palace), where the daughters, grandchildren and other visitors have assembled for the unique event.
Before the food is to be shared out, her father, a traditionalist, has to take the food to “OKWU NDI-ICHE (Altar) to be blessed.

Traditionally, her Father calls on his father and forefathers to humbly come down and share the food with the living, chanting incantations to invoke the spirit his father and forefathers to descend and protect his daughters and grandchildren. He takes a cup of palm wine pours some on the altar and some lumps of food are put there as well.

The altar can be described as an elevated portion on which some short fairly thick sticks are stuck upon, put carefully in a secluded corner, these sticks are lined up on the elevated portion and they are strictly posted according to the order of the past ruler or nobles in that particular palace or individual compound. These nobles in Igbo tradition are regarded as the nobles in the society, no matter individual opinions or expressions.

Usually, “ILO MMUO” ceremony goes with some incantations like the one here under;
“EZENU” we gather as usual,
Your loving children to thank,
To honour you as always, “EZEGBULUGBULU” open your ears and eyes,
To receive your daughters’ unique request,
Your daughters’ and grandchildren are here,
Bless and enrich them with knowledge and wisdom.
As they come close, receive them,
Bless them abundantly one by one,
Going back home, protect and guide them,
By this period next year we shall gather to celebrate,
Give us good health day by day,
This we pray. Amen
On departure, the daughters are given four or eight tubers of yam depending on the capacity of their host. In addition, the grandchildren are given one beautiful head of plantain to show that they visited their grandfather, money could be given but that is secondary.

It is important to note that not all the grandchildren are given a beautiful head of plantain or even a bunch; it is given to disciplined and responsible “UMUDIANA”. Apart from all these gifts given to them, they are specially blessed by their grandfather who prays for their individual success and achievement in all areas of life, but they are also warned to stay clear from all evil practices deemed inimical to human growth and development.

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It should be remembered that in parts of the Igbo land, some people call “ILO MMUO” (IWA JI OR UFIEJIOKU). No matter whatever the name that is given to describe this festival, the end product is the same.

“ILO MMUO” festival creates a conducive climate for relations to meet for cross-fertilization of ideas aimed at improvement of quality of life, planting everlasting understanding and unity among families in a particular society, and also enthroning peace.

Credit: Prince Goddy A.O Obi