We feel like the months of the Igbo calendar deserve special attention, as each month has its own meaning. Let’s talk about each of them a little bit more in detail. We will be using the Nri-Igbo calendar as reference, so do not be surprised if you come across information that differs from what we are going to tell you.
The first month of the Igbo calendar is Ọnwạ Mbụ. It usually starts around the third week of February with the Igu Aro festival, which is meant to celebrate the beginning of the year.
The second month is called Ọnwạ Abuọ, and it lasts from mid-March until mid-April. This month is for farming and cleaning.
The third month is called Ọnwạ Ife Eke (mid-April — mid-May). During this month (also known as the hunger period), Igbo people must starve in order to please Ani (Ana), goddess of the Earth.
The fourth month is Ọnwạ Anọ (mid-May — mid-June). During this month, farmers begin to plant the yam seeds.
The fifth month is Ọnwạ Agwụ (mid-June — mid-July). This month is considered to be the traditional start of the year. During Ọnwạ Agwụ, you can witness one of the most fascinating parts of Igbo culture — Igbo masquerade festivals.
READ ALSO: Igbo masquerade festivals - a stunning cultural tradition of the tribe
The sixth month is Ọnwạ Ifejiọkụ (mid-July — mid-August). It is dedicated to various festivities and yam rituals that praise the Alusi (deity) of yam Njoku Ji. The most famous event of this month is the New Yam Festival.
The seventh (Ọnwạ Alọm Chi) and eighth (Ọnwạ Ilo Mmụọ) months occur from mid-August until September. During these months, people usually harvest the yams.
The ninth month is Ọnwạ Ana (October). It is named after and dedicated to the goddess Ana we have mentioned earlier.
The next three months (Ọnwạ Okike, Ọnwạ Ajana and Ọnwạ Ede Ajana) span across November, December and a bit of January, and host the Okike ritual.
The last, thirteenth month of the Igbo calendar is Ọnwạ Ụzọ Alụsị (January — February). During this month, people give their offerings to all the alusi and end the year. Now you know more about the Igbo months and what to mark in your 2018 Igbo calendar.
Continue reading as look at the various festivals in Igboland.
