Traditional and Popular Nigerian Customs and Rituals:
Nigerian people take part in many different customs and rituals, many of which have to do with traditional superstitions and beliefs. Some have to do with material objects, where as other have to do more with social practices.
Traditional Customs and Rituals:
Sharo Festival: This ritual takes place when a boy "comes of age" so that he is considered a man by the society. The young man is continuously whipped by someone called the "challenger", but he must show no signs of pain. This event is usually held in the marketplace, and people from all walks of life come to witness the bravery of the young tribe-members.
Inheritance Practices: In Nigerian culture, many people still hold the belief that women are object that the husband owns. So, when a woman's husband dies, his brother can "inherent" her. However, this practice is becoming increasingly outdated as women are becoming enlightened and realizing their rights more and more.
Wich Hunting: This practice, mainly done by the Edos, involves torture of a person whose family member died for a strange reason, by the witch doctor. Once this person has confessed, the witch doctor enforces the confession, and if found guilty, the suspect is banned from the community.
Nwaboy Services: In this custom, a boy is sent to a job where he is mentored by a man of higher ranking. The boy does jobs for him and works for free, and after he has worked faithfully for a certain amount of years, he is rewarded.
Popular Customs and Rituals:
Christian Ceremonies: Due to the spread of Christianity to Nigeria from Great Britain's rule, christian ceremonies and rituals have been adopted by the Nigerian people.
Meeting ad Greeting: Nigeria has adopted similar greeting rituals to most of the world, as it is common for hands to be shaken both at the beginning and end of conversations.
Gift Giving: Traditionally, gifts given to hosts have been nuts, chocolate, or fruits. Recently, however, after the spread of Islam to Nigeria, gifts are given during Ramadan that are often wrapped in paper.