EGWU-ONICHA: A RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL IN AFRICAN TRADITION

Abstract

The study of African Traditional Religions which started some decades ago has generated a considerable amount of interest among scholars. Much has been done in highlighting the religious beliefs and practices and other elements of these religions. However, much remains to be unearthed for the fact that Africa is vast and her religious practices, beliefs and ceremonies are complex and various. There are many religious practices in many communities that are not known, nor thought of, and yet they are worth knowing. I think this may be more in the area of religious festivals and the gods whose honour warrant such merry making occasions. For 8 good knowledge of diverse religious festivals in African Tradition Religion there is the imperative need to get down to the study of festivals of each autonomous community. This article is an attempt in this direction. It discusses one of the important religious festivals of Onicha Ezlnlhitte! known among the people as Egwu-Onicha.