By Chimezie Enyioko, PhD
December 26th is a significant day for the Asa people of Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, Nigeria, as it marks the annual celebration of their cultural heritage, known as Asa Day. This joyous occasion brings together sons and daughters of Asa, both at home and in the diaspora, to showcase their rich cultural traditions, customs, and values.
Asa Day is more than just a celebration; it is an opportunity for the Asa people to reflect on their past, appreciate their present, and look forward to a brighter future. It is a time to reconnect with their roots, strengthen family bonds, and foster community spirit.
The celebration is a spectacle of color, music, and dance, as participants adorn themselves in their finest traditional attire, showcasing the intricate patterns and designs that are unique to the Asa culture. The air is filled with the sweet sounds of traditional music, played on instruments such as the ekwe, opi, and ọyọ, which are integral parts of Asa cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the display of traditional dances, such as the “Nkwa Ụmụ Onyiinye” and “Ekpe” dances, which are performed with precision and flair by the dancers. The dances are not only a form of entertainment but also serve as a means of storytelling, passing down historical events, myths, and legends from one generation to the next.
Asa Day should also be an opportunity for the Asa people to showcase their traditional cuisine, which is a fusion of delicious and nutritious dishes, such as “ofe ọkpụrụkpụ ahụ” (a type of delicacy made of melon balls on ukasị soup), “ofe miri gororo” (a type of pepper soup with dry fish or meat), and “ụgba” (a type of sliced oil bean seed dish). The celebration need to indulge in these traditional delicacies and to pass down cooking techniques and recipes to younger generations.
As the Asa people celebrate their cultural heritage, it is essential to recognize the significance of this event in promoting cultural diversity, preserving traditional practices, and fostering community development. Asa Day serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural identity and the need to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations because, it is said that a people without a cultural identity, have no future.
In conclusion, Asa Day is a celebration that embodies the spirit of unity, cultural pride, and community development. As the Asa people come together to celebrate their cultural heritage, it is essential to maximize the potentials of this event to promote cultural diversity, preserve traditional practices, and foster a better future for generations to come.
As we celebrate this year’s Asa Day on 26th December, 2024, it is necessary to note the following recommendations:
1. Documentation: Efforts should be made to document the Asa cultural heritage, including traditional dances, music, and cuisine, to preserve them for future generations.
2. Cultural Exchange: Opportunities should be created for cultural exchange between the Asa people and other ethnic groups in Nigeria and beyond, to promote cultural diversity and understanding.
3. Community Development: Asa Day should be leveraged as a platform for community development, by promoting economic empowerment, education, and healthcare initiatives.
4. Youth Engagement: Efforts should be made to engage the youth in the celebration and promotion of Asa cultural heritage, to ensure its continuity and relevance.
By implementing these recommendations, the Asa people can maximize the potentials of Asa Day adequately to promote cultural diversity, preserve traditional pride, and foster a better future for generations to come.
Enyioko, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, is from Umudobia Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.