The Igbo calendar is a traditional week counting and dating system, which has been in existence in Inyi, maybe as long as the Egyptian, Greek, Babylonian and Roman Calendars. Unlike the Gregorian calendar which has 7 days in a week, the Igbo calendar has 4 days in a week called “ IZU ”, 7 weeks in a month, 28 days in a month, 13 months in a year, 91 weeks in a year, and 364 days in a year.
Each Izu consists of four market days which make up the native week. Namely: -
Eke,
Orie,
Afor,
Nkwo.
These four market days also serve as a form of identification. The traditional names of most Igbo people are derived from the market day on which they were born.
An Inyi person is expected to work in the farm, look after live-stock, and attend Funerals for only three days and rests completely or trade their produce on the fourth day. Nkwo is the designated day for trading in the largest Market in Inyi.
Therefore called NKWO INYI Market “Ahia Nkwo Inyi”, it is operational every four days.
It is located in Umuome village. A place most central to all Inyi villages, Due to this geocentric location, people come from all over Inyi on Nkwo day to trade their Goods and live-stock, as well as Socialising.
Many people from the neighbouring towns near and far such as Achi, Awlaw, Akpugoeze, Ugwuoba, Ufuma and Akwa attend this market. Trading, mostly products that is distinctive to their towns and well as buying the products they don’t have or produce. In most Igbo towns, it is a way to multiply trading customer base and profit. These towns would not share the same market day as Nkwo Inyi market, making it vital for people in the trade of fresh or perishable vegetables and food items.
Other items that could be found in Nkwo Inyi Market will range from Yam, Cassava, Corn, Cashaw, Palm Oil, Palm wine, Baskets, Metal or Clay Pots, Attire, Firewood, Broomsticks, Tobacco, Fresh Meat, Dry Fish, Fruits, seeds and etc.
Nowadays, these include Bags, Shoes and Electrical goods such as TVs, Video and Fan shops,
With a variety of transport vehicles to get people to and from various villages and neighbouring towns. Formally known as, Motor Park.
Each Village within Inyi have a small sub market which is normally used for small items forgotten on the Nkwo market day. These sub markets serve the villages on minor trades for local use, generating little or no significance in revenue.
Each Izu consists of four market days which make up the native week. Namely: -
Eke,
Orie,
Afor,
Nkwo.
These four market days also serve as a form of identification. The traditional names of most Igbo people are derived from the market day on which they were born.
An Inyi person is expected to work in the farm, look after live-stock, and attend Funerals for only three days and rests completely or trade their produce on the fourth day. Nkwo is the designated day for trading in the largest Market in Inyi.
Therefore called NKWO INYI Market “Ahia Nkwo Inyi”, it is operational every four days.
It is located in Umuome village. A place most central to all Inyi villages, Due to this geocentric location, people come from all over Inyi on Nkwo day to trade their Goods and live-stock, as well as Socialising.
Many people from the neighbouring towns near and far such as Achi, Awlaw, Akpugoeze, Ugwuoba, Ufuma and Akwa attend this market. Trading, mostly products that is distinctive to their towns and well as buying the products they don’t have or produce. In most Igbo towns, it is a way to multiply trading customer base and profit. These towns would not share the same market day as Nkwo Inyi market, making it vital for people in the trade of fresh or perishable vegetables and food items.
Other items that could be found in Nkwo Inyi Market will range from Yam, Cassava, Corn, Cashaw, Palm Oil, Palm wine, Baskets, Metal or Clay Pots, Attire, Firewood, Broomsticks, Tobacco, Fresh Meat, Dry Fish, Fruits, seeds and etc.
Nowadays, these include Bags, Shoes and Electrical goods such as TVs, Video and Fan shops,
With a variety of transport vehicles to get people to and from various villages and neighbouring towns. Formally known as, Motor Park.
Each Village within Inyi have a small sub market which is normally used for small items forgotten on the Nkwo market day. These sub markets serve the villages on minor trades for local use, generating little or no significance in revenue.
Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria
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Inyi News and Events |
Inyi Culture and highlights
Inyi people are governed by definite rules of conduct from cradle to grave. The discipline infused by these rules of conduct, are a mirror of its rich culture and Heritage. Producing a uniformity, which others see and admired in Inyi people.
Its customary laws and customs were definite, detailed, and covered by aspect of Inyi life; so that, by their existence, they attested to the antiquity of Inyi town. As it must have taken centuries of usage, and trial and error, before they could have become so generally accepted, and enforced, as law, among the people of Inyi.
There is a strong tie in religious observations, trade, marriages, Birth and Death. In each community there are associations of age grades; Social groups, Town Unions, Native councils and Traditional Rulers (Ndi Igwe, Nze na Ozo), poor and rich citizens interact with one another in war or in peace. The social organization developed in the form of an extended family to a kind of village government. All participate in community affairs, in decision-making and all development efforts, Based on the background shared, the Art, Food, Dialect and Cultural ways of life are also shared and frequently the same.
Its customary laws and customs were definite, detailed, and covered by aspect of Inyi life; so that, by their existence, they attested to the antiquity of Inyi town. As it must have taken centuries of usage, and trial and error, before they could have become so generally accepted, and enforced, as law, among the people of Inyi.
There is a strong tie in religious observations, trade, marriages, Birth and Death. In each community there are associations of age grades; Social groups, Town Unions, Native councils and Traditional Rulers (Ndi Igwe, Nze na Ozo), poor and rich citizens interact with one another in war or in peace. The social organization developed in the form of an extended family to a kind of village government. All participate in community affairs, in decision-making and all development efforts, Based on the background shared, the Art, Food, Dialect and Cultural ways of life are also shared and frequently the same.
Nkwo Inyi Market
Inyi Nwa-Ocho Ucho.........................
| Male | Female | ||
| Eke | Okeke | Nweke | Mgbeke |
| Orie | Okorie | Nwoye | Mgborie |
| Afor | Okafor | Nwafor | Mgbafor |
| Nkwo | Okonkwo | Nwankwo | Mgbokwo |
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When an Inyi woman delivers a child, relatives, friends, well-wishers and neighbours will come and rejoice. In Inyi shouts of joys will fill the air with women screaming OLOLOLO-LOO!!!!!, which is associated with child birth. As it is custom not to see a new baby without a gift for the child. More relatives, friends, well-wishers and neighbours will come to rejoice and present all types of gifts. The father of the child will provide Kola nut, Palm wine, Tobacco as well as light refreshment i.e. meat, fruits etc.
An Inyi child must have a native name. Many people
will suggest the name to be given to the child, but
the father of the child has the final say on the name
given to the child.
The name is normally based on circumstances with
the family, period of birth, day of birth, family wealth,
or Family wishes and prayers.
These names are popular within Inyi: - Adauwa, Agodinmuo, Akasiemuobi, Akuegbonwu, Akuvuiro, Alaeke, Azubuike, Chibugo, Chigozie, Chinonso, Chukwukere, Ahizenna, Ekeleme, Elea-ejeogu, Ezetaonwu, Ifeoma, Ihejika, Iloejenake, Iroabuchi, Izuchukwu, Kanayo, lfeanyi, Maduabuchi, Mgbafor, Ndubisi, Ngozi, Njideike, Nkechinere, Nwabuighu, Nwafor, Nwakaego, Nwangbeke, Nwaohukwu, Nwaokeagboso, Nwaozo, Nwasoro, Nweke, Nwugonkwo, Obiageli, Obinna, Oforbuike, Ogodinauzo, Ojemba, Okechukwu, Okeke, Okereke, Okoli, Okonkwo, Okpara, Onochi, Onuamaobichukwu, Onwu, Onwuamaeze, Onwucherenche, Onyebuchibeya, Onyemechi, Onyinyechukwu, Ovutere, Ozoemenem, Uba, Udoka, Uzogo, etc.
When a child is born the father of the child will despatch message to his mother-in-law to visit. The people sent to despatch the message would mark lines on their arms and tubers of yam they bring with chalk to indicate a new birth. The Mother In-law will come with some quantity of nice fish; spend about 4 weeks, IZU ISAA. To look after her daughter and new grandchild with services of teaching or helping her clean, tend and cook, in a period called OMUGWO.
When the time of her departure comes, the father of the child will shower her with reasonable gifts and cloths for his mother-in-law. Besides, the man shall also give her some money according to his financial capacity.
Within the first 10years of a child’s life, the family could perform
an age group naming ceremony called MBANUNO, where they
invite the kids within 10years old of their child’s age to celebrate
and give the child a name they will recognise him or her by
henceforth.
In some cases the age-group name could overshadow the
parent’s given name over time. But principally this is a system of
making friends and socialising, as well as indicating seniority
within age-groups.
Status is bestowed to the male children by seniority, irrespective of polygamous or monogamous family structure. In the family, where the father is incapacitated or passed away, the first son becomes head of the family and holds the family heirloom like Ofo, Chi, and Obi. The first son (DI-OKARA) holds the symbol of the family authority.
There are two Igbo positions of esteem that are formally institutionalized
(1) Di-Okara (first son)
(2) Ada (first daughter)
The first male and female children, namely Di-Okara and Ada, have higher status in an Igbo family. Even in polygamous family, the birth order follows. The seniority accorded to older age is one of the primary beliefs among Inyi people. The younger always gives respect to the older brother or sister.
Traditionally, Inyi has three major support communities, which they could call for and is entitled to whole-hearted support. The first is IKWU NNA (the support community arising from the father). The second is IKWU NNE (the support community arising from the mother). The third is IKWU OGO (the support community arising from in-law relationship). The word ikwu and its synonym ibe generally mean “neigbhourhood”. Indeed, most Inyi citizens are more likely to use ibe than ikwu.
Therefore the three support groups are also called IBE NNA (father’s neighbourhood), IBE NNE (mother’s neighbourhood) and IBE OGO (in-law’s neghbourhood). The greatest honour is given to one in his mother's lineage, IBE NNE. When one visits his or her mother's home (mother's lineage) within Inyi, that person is given the highest honour and respect. Whenever one has any serious troubles with a father's lineage (Umunna), they appeal to their ibe nne (mother's lineage) for assistance. As a custom in Inyi town, the ibe nne will always and surely come to their aid.
Any child born by an Inyi woman married to a non Inyi man (Any issues of an Inyi woman married outside Inyi) is referred to a NWAGABA. They are automatically in the protection of Inyi people, while at Inyi land. The male issues are encouraged to perform a small ceremony at any time of their live, to notify or publicise their connection to Inyi. In what is called IGBAHU UTA. Where the child or the family, constructs a bow and arrow to be shout towards the heavens on the day of their arrival to their mother place of birth.
An Inyi child must have a native name. Many people
will suggest the name to be given to the child, but
the father of the child has the final say on the name
given to the child.
The name is normally based on circumstances with
the family, period of birth, day of birth, family wealth,
or Family wishes and prayers.
These names are popular within Inyi: - Adauwa, Agodinmuo, Akasiemuobi, Akuegbonwu, Akuvuiro, Alaeke, Azubuike, Chibugo, Chigozie, Chinonso, Chukwukere, Ahizenna, Ekeleme, Elea-ejeogu, Ezetaonwu, Ifeoma, Ihejika, Iloejenake, Iroabuchi, Izuchukwu, Kanayo, lfeanyi, Maduabuchi, Mgbafor, Ndubisi, Ngozi, Njideike, Nkechinere, Nwabuighu, Nwafor, Nwakaego, Nwangbeke, Nwaohukwu, Nwaokeagboso, Nwaozo, Nwasoro, Nweke, Nwugonkwo, Obiageli, Obinna, Oforbuike, Ogodinauzo, Ojemba, Okechukwu, Okeke, Okereke, Okoli, Okonkwo, Okpara, Onochi, Onuamaobichukwu, Onwu, Onwuamaeze, Onwucherenche, Onyebuchibeya, Onyemechi, Onyinyechukwu, Ovutere, Ozoemenem, Uba, Udoka, Uzogo, etc.
When a child is born the father of the child will despatch message to his mother-in-law to visit. The people sent to despatch the message would mark lines on their arms and tubers of yam they bring with chalk to indicate a new birth. The Mother In-law will come with some quantity of nice fish; spend about 4 weeks, IZU ISAA. To look after her daughter and new grandchild with services of teaching or helping her clean, tend and cook, in a period called OMUGWO.
When the time of her departure comes, the father of the child will shower her with reasonable gifts and cloths for his mother-in-law. Besides, the man shall also give her some money according to his financial capacity.
Within the first 10years of a child’s life, the family could perform
an age group naming ceremony called MBANUNO, where they
invite the kids within 10years old of their child’s age to celebrate
and give the child a name they will recognise him or her by
henceforth.
In some cases the age-group name could overshadow the
parent’s given name over time. But principally this is a system of
making friends and socialising, as well as indicating seniority
within age-groups.
Status is bestowed to the male children by seniority, irrespective of polygamous or monogamous family structure. In the family, where the father is incapacitated or passed away, the first son becomes head of the family and holds the family heirloom like Ofo, Chi, and Obi. The first son (DI-OKARA) holds the symbol of the family authority.
There are two Igbo positions of esteem that are formally institutionalized
(1) Di-Okara (first son)
(2) Ada (first daughter)
The first male and female children, namely Di-Okara and Ada, have higher status in an Igbo family. Even in polygamous family, the birth order follows. The seniority accorded to older age is one of the primary beliefs among Inyi people. The younger always gives respect to the older brother or sister.
Traditionally, Inyi has three major support communities, which they could call for and is entitled to whole-hearted support. The first is IKWU NNA (the support community arising from the father). The second is IKWU NNE (the support community arising from the mother). The third is IKWU OGO (the support community arising from in-law relationship). The word ikwu and its synonym ibe generally mean “neigbhourhood”. Indeed, most Inyi citizens are more likely to use ibe than ikwu.
Therefore the three support groups are also called IBE NNA (father’s neighbourhood), IBE NNE (mother’s neighbourhood) and IBE OGO (in-law’s neghbourhood). The greatest honour is given to one in his mother's lineage, IBE NNE. When one visits his or her mother's home (mother's lineage) within Inyi, that person is given the highest honour and respect. Whenever one has any serious troubles with a father's lineage (Umunna), they appeal to their ibe nne (mother's lineage) for assistance. As a custom in Inyi town, the ibe nne will always and surely come to their aid.
Any child born by an Inyi woman married to a non Inyi man (Any issues of an Inyi woman married outside Inyi) is referred to a NWAGABA. They are automatically in the protection of Inyi people, while at Inyi land. The male issues are encouraged to perform a small ceremony at any time of their live, to notify or publicise their connection to Inyi. In what is called IGBAHU UTA. Where the child or the family, constructs a bow and arrow to be shout towards the heavens on the day of their arrival to their mother place of birth.
Birth in Inyi
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