Hello, my friends.  As we enter what some would certainly call the holiest of all seasons, allow me to ask:

How is Easter celebrated in Nigeria?  Certainly, the religious aspect is largely similar to other places, but what about traditions, both familial and cultural?

No doubt many of you will have interesting, colourful stories to share!   

Nigerians are known for their faith. Surely, somebody has something to say with regard to the celebration of Easter.

Hello there again! lol -- hows the pidgin english going?? So so so, u wanna know about easter huh, well ONE thing for sure is we gonna go to church, then come back home and start the food galore. Lotsa families come together at this time, kinda like a mini-christmas period. We eat and eat and eat, watch movies, play music, u know, like a family reunion thing. The main thing is, we know the significance of easter and we pretty much are grateful that Christ offered himself as a sacrifice for our sake and then he rose up again!!! . But bottom line is, its a joyous moment which every chrisitian household celebrates.
this helps? 
que faites-vous de ce Paques? avez-vous une famille ou vous etes? car je pense que je me souviens, vous avez dit quelque chose au sujet de votre famille au Canada. Puis-je demander la raison pour laquelle vous etes tres interesse par le Nigeria? 

And, hello to you as well!  How delightful to encounter you, again!

Personally, I have a few relatives coming to visit.  We, too, will likely attend a church service (my sister is rather devout--I'm somewhat less so), and laugh about old times.  Indeed, we shall eat in festive celebration, as well. 

Why am I interested in Nigeria?  Several reasons, actually.  Nigeria is certainly a powerful nation (in many ways), and it has the potential to be even more so.  Unfortunately, it's a country about which I know so very little, in spite of its abundant riches of culture and people.  Sad to say, there has been much negative attention drawn to the country as a result of the scams that are so prevalent.  But, certainly, Nigerians in general should not be judged by these unscrupulous types.  Another sister of mine briefly dated a Nigerian fellow, and he spoke in fascinating terms of his homeland.  Also, as an American, I know that those in my country have been accused (often rightly so) of having a bit of arrogance with respect to our land.  I prefer to think of it as more of an "isolationist" mindset, if you will.  Semantics aside, I feel it to be restrictive.  I can better understand and respect the ways of others only if I endeavor to understand them.  And, I realize that it's an ongoing process.  I don't seek assimilation, but I do seek to learn.

So, rather than dismiss what I'm sure is a fine country on the whole, I have sought to learn a bit about this curious place we call Nigeria. 

(Sorry for the rambling reply!)

unfortunately, i would agree with you. hopefully things get better there though. we are being optimistic anyways.

Ohhhhhhhhh, I missed Easter in Naija.
Rem. when we used to go to "Galilee".
A place where everybody brings food and we all share and eat.
But we do sunday service first sha.

The best part is getting money
Dance and get money.

Carry food around to neighbors.
Dress and walk around, playing with the other kids.
I hated it when my granny used to cook rice and give the neighbor some, leaving the house with the bottom of the pot

Mehn, Easter in Naija was the bomb!!

"Dance and get money"??

OK, I can understand the "get money" part, but what is this "dance" about? Is there traditional dance that one does at Easter? Please, tell me about it! Does one do it in church? At celebrations elsewhere? At home? On the street?

drrionelli:

"Dance and get money"??

OK, I can understand the "get money" part, but what is this "dance" about? Is there traditional dance that one does at Easter? Please, tell me about it! Does one do it in church? At celebrations elsewhere? At home? On the street?

ashi '

Not what you're thinking.

Rem. the native dance? a group of ppl dancing and getting money on their forehead?
I think Nigeria recently made a law against that routine sha.

Celebrating is usually in "Galilie". Just an open place in a farm where they whole village could eat.
Small village sha.
Very nice celebration we usually have

*Toyinrayo:

ashi '

Not what you're thinking.

Actually, I wasn't sure what this could have meant, or what it might be about. I was inquiring to determine what it was, rather than to confirm what it might (or might not) be. But, I certainly appreciate your input. What is this "Rem" of which you speak? And why is there a law against it?

I must say that I rather like the idea of taking food to the neighbors. How generous! And a community feast? What a delightful way to celebrate!

drrionelli , you need to break loose and attend a nigerian party, i aint talkin' the hip-hop drop it like its hot party, i'm talking typical parties where you see those grown ass mommas tieing that thing on their head (its called gele), YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER REMAIN THE SAME AGAIN, I TELL YOU MY BROTHA!!!! you can dance and make some money in those parties actually!!! pretty cool huh!

drrionelli:

Actually, I wasn't sure what this could have meant, or what it might be about. I was inquiring to determine what it was, rather than to confirm what it might (or might not) be. But, I certainly appreciate your input. What is this "Rem" of which you speak? And why is there a law against it?

I must say that I rather like the idea of taking food to the neighbors. How generous! And a community feast? What a delightful way to celebrate!

LOL, are you Nigerian?
Most Nigerians are known for taking food to their neighbors etc.

Rem. = Remember
I think there's now a law against throwing Naira at people or pressing Nairas on people's head during a party. I think

It is (was) a delightful way to celebrate. But at the same time, we have to be careful of what we eat outside

*Toyinrayo:

LOL, are you Nigerian?

I think there's now a law against throwing Naira at people or pressing Nairas on people's head during a party. I think

really?

i dnt think ghana pple does that either

~Sissy~:

really?

i dnt think ghana pple does that either

My assumption from the thread I readon politic section, about Obj getting arrested for doing so at a party

*Toyinrayo:

LOL, are you Nigerian?
Most Nigerians are known for taking food to their neighbors etc.

Rem. = Remember
I think there's now a law against throwing Naira at people or pressing Nairas on people's head during a party. I think

It is (was) a delightful way to celebrate. But at the same time, we have to be careful of what we eat outside

No, I'm afraid I'm not Nigerian.  That's why I am so unlearned in the ways of Nigeria and its people.  

BUT, it's because of understanding people like yourself that I can learn.  And, for that, I thank you!

You are very much welcome