The African value system is problematic we kill cows, goats, give souvenirs in burials in the name of honouring the dead, whereas in reality we are trying to impress friends, relatives etc.
This is a general african trend especially amongst christians. There are lots of people whose loved ones are laying in the mortuary because the kinsmen are outrageously demanding cows, yam etc to approve the burial. In some places in Africa people sell the properties just to give a loud impression, I seriously wonder how we got here.
Nigerians from different economic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds have differed on the propriety or otherwise of organising lavish and elaborate burial ceremonies, following the loss of loved ones.
The outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria in February 2020, resulting in restriction of movements, religious and public gatherings as well as use of face masks and observance of other protocols, has shown that conduct of elaborate burials are unnecessary.
I believe such practice as “frivolous”, contending that although it was inherited, it was no longer in tune with the current economic realities in Nigeria.
This particular norm is Oftentimes in Yoruba land, you see people going the extra mile to bury someone they claim to love; they incur debts just to satisfy guests and be respected for being sociable.
But you discover that when the deceased was alive, hardly was he cared for by the same people as a way of demonstrating their so-called love for him.
It is wrong and absurd to spend lavishly on burials of someone you will never see again, it should be discontinued, no matter how long it might have been in existence.
Another reason it has continued is because of the foolish and erroneous belief in some cultures that the dead would be angry and not sleep in peace if not celebrated flamboyantly.
We should, however, realise that culture is not a destination but a journey of discovery, and when you discover that a particular way of life no longer serves any useful purpose, you stop it, rather than pass it on.
Oftentimes in Yoruba land, you see people going the extra mile to bury someone they claim to love; they incur debts just to satisfy guests and be respected for being sociable.
But you discover that when the deceased was alive, hardly was he cared for by the same people as a way of demonstrating their so-called love for him
It is wrong and absurd to spend lavishly on burials of someone you will never see again.
Death and Religious Beliefs
Christianity and Islam are the most common religions of Nigeria. These religions have their own customs and beliefs that are reflected in a family’s funeral traditions. However, they do have some similarities; many Christian and Muslim Nigerians believe God judges the deceased’s soul to determine their afterlife fate. Many also believe in reincarnation and that people come back as members of their mother’s or sister’s family.
*Nigerian Funeral Service*
A Nigerian funeral service may feel more like a party, as you’ll find a lot of music, singing, and dancing. They believe that the more music and dancing, the better chance the deceased’s soul has at a successful afterlife. The funeral readings depend on the deceased’s religious beliefs, but there’s usually prayers, poetry, and a eulogy. They also sacrifice goats and other animals for food during the celebration.
*Funeral attire*
The funeral attire depends on the deceased’s age and the family’s preferences. Some families choose a color combination — usually two colors — for funeral guests to wear. However, when attending the burial ceremony, everyone should wear dark-colored clothing — especially if it’s a burial for someone young. Traditionally, women wore cotton clothing that was locally tailored and dyed, while men wore wide-sleeved robes with elaborately-designed embroidery.
The funeral attire depends on the deceased’s age and the family’s preferences. Some families choose a color combination — usually two colors — for funeral guests to wear. However, when attending the burial ceremony, everyone should wear dark-colored clothing — especially if it’s a burial for someone young. Traditionally, women wore cotton clothing that was locally tailored and dyed, while men wore wide-sleeved robes with elaborately-designed embroidery.
*Burial Traditions*
The burial preparations can last anywhere from several days to several weeks. Muslim Nigerians bury the deceased as soon as possible, but Christian Nigerians may wait longer. It’s important to give the deceased a proper burial, or else they may come back to haunt the living.
Muslim Nigerians usually bury the body facing Mecca. While some Nigerians bury people depending on their gender. They bury men facing east so he sees the sunrise; while they bury women facing west so she sees the sunset and can prepare dinner for her husband in her next life.
It's already part of our culture 😂 The same old ones we neglected while alive , we spent millions for their burial