I thought the civilization in the world would stop some cultural practices, but I was shocked when I discovered that there is a particular culture in my country that allow a lady to go topless and braless in the community.
The first time Isaw something like this was on Facebook when a lady from South Africa posted herself nacked and said it was a traditional performance from her tribe.
There are more of them out there going about celebrating one cultural rituals or another.
It marvels me that people are still going around doing the things I classify as naive. I'm sorry to say that, but I don't think I can follow suite even if it is done in my lineage. Why would I go about nacked and show my breast to the people?
Why they go nacked
They call it cultural rite. It is practiced in a part of the Delta state of Nigeria. The rite is called Iria. I'm also from delta state, but we don't practice such in my tribe. I was born in the city and I hardly speak my language. All those traditional whatever is not in my blood. I've not visited my village once, let alone know what their cultural belief.
Some of the groups that practice the ritual are the Iyankpo group, Ijimkorobo, Saugeye, and Alagbariye group. They believed that every girl child born in their land must have a romantic connection with the water spirit, so performing the ritual rite is how they are detached from the spirit. Only girls between the age of 14 and 16 years undergo such ritual rites to prepare them for marriage.
One thing that is very mandatory before a girl can participate in such rituals is that she must be a virgin. Before any girl gets her body painted, she would be tested if she is a virgin, if not, they will not allow her to participate in the right. It is against the rules of the culture to allow a defiled girl to join the ceremony. The girls that are certified virgins would be isolated in a place for 1 to 6 months learning a lot of things that would be useful to them when they get married, and also learn some songs that would detach them from the spirit on the day of the ceremony
What if the defiled girls refuse to participate, any spiritual outcome?
This was one of the questions I asked my mum. She knows more about the culture. She explained to me that they believe that any girl that doesn't go through the ritual process because she defiled her body will find it difficult to get married that the spiritual connection she has with the marine spirit will not allow any man to stay with her. Hmmm! This one taya me o
I know there are countless ladies out there that are from the village, already defiled in the city. Some of them don't know about this culture. Does that mean the spirit will torment them by not allowing them to get married?
I've not come in contact with anyone from that tribe, but my mum confirmed it, and I read it in the dailies as well. I know there is always a way where there seems to be no way. I got a little disturbed about those that would suffer abuse and get deflowered
Will the spirit also fight them? Most cultures that have a spiritual attachment to some issues don't give room for alternative measures in case of necessity.
I believe in spiritual things. It does exist especially in Africa. I won't say the cultural rite is not a good thing, but it shouldn't be mandatory.
Any member of the community that wishes to have a certificate of virginity can choose to participate and others that don't feel like can stay back and enjoy the show.
I advise any girl that didn't participate in the rituals dew ti a reason to, strengthen their belief in the God they worship and pray against spiritual attachment concerning their marital life.
Should cultural rites be mandated?
Your opinion is welcome.
Thanks for the support you've been giving me. I'm glad and I appreciate all efforts.