The Beauty in Our Ways

“culture is the way of life” – we were taught this a lot during primary school and it actually is true. The food, dance, clothes or even festivals somehow all connects us to our roots, reminding us of who we are. However, when I think of what culture is, I don’t just think of the food, dance and all at, alone. I think also of the other small things, like how we greet our elders in our language, how we come together for food, how we conduct burial ceremonies and how we celebrate, especially traditional marriages. These things may seem normal, but they hold generations of significance. To me, culture is like memory; it like a living memory that grows with each generation while still honouring the past.

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I’m Nigerian and in Nigeria, we have a lot of tribes and cultures, each with their own unique traditions. I’m from the Urhobo tribe and while I sadly don’t know how to speak my native language at all, I still feel connected to my heritage in other ways like the respect in greetings, the flavours of our traditional meal (most especially Owho Soup, I love that soup a lot), and the clothing, they still remind me of where I come from.

The Nigeria culture, dresses and festivals alike, I think is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It tells our identity, history and all. Not like I’ve seen or experience much, but there’s so much beauty in Nigeria cultures. Different tribes and their way of dresses or their own special type of food or the way they host their ceremonies. I enjoy watching festive display a lot whether it’s my tribe or not, and I’m always left in awe. How much beauty is in Nigeria cultures.

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That said… one culture I’ve grown to admire deeply is the Yoruba culture. For me, there’s something captivating about their language, it so expressive, nice to hear and rich in proverbs. I really love the Yoruba language. I often wish I could speak it fluently as well.

When it comes to culture, two things I’m most drawn to are food and festive displays. Food also has its own custom, from how it’s prepared to when it’s served. I’m talking about the adding of spices, the manner of cooking, and the way people come together around a pot of soup or a bowl of jollof rice as if it’s a special item. And festive displays? Oh, they’re the heartbeat of celebration. I love the dancing, the masquerades, the drumming and the fashion. Watching different tribes showcase their culture during festivals always fills me with happiness, even when it’s not my own.

There are many cultures around the world that I admire aside Nigerian cultures. Such as, the traditional Korean marriage rites, the Japanese tea ceremony and the way some people express prayer in the form of dance, chants or even quiet meditation. One thing that I would most like to adopt from another culture is the Korean method of greeting, that of the bow. It’s basic, respectful and lovely in its own right.

So yes, culture is the people’s way of life but it’s also the people’s heart, beating in their customs, language and their food. And I think that’s beautiful

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