Nne Nwa, withbaby on board.Mothering Sunday, as Mother's day was called in Nigeria in the good old days, was always very special. It is still called Mothering Sunday today. Today, March 30th is Mothering Sunday in Nigeria. It remains a special day for celebrating mothers in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
For mothers old and new, it is a day of rejoicing, celebrating, and being celebrated.
I remember especially the young mothers, in childhood days, newly married, with their first babies. Everything about them had an aura of newness. Motherhood in itself, the trimmings that went with it----a fresh new baby, fresh new Abada outfit with shoes and headgear to match, a set of custom gold ear rings, specially crafted by the goldsmith for the new bride, if the husband had the means to order such for her, and finally, an umbrella, ( mbrad), a good match for the wrapper and oja, to protect the baby's young tender head, usually from the blazing sun and of course the rain if mother and child got caught in the rain.
They, the young mothers were called Nne Nwa, a term which simply means---Baby's mother. They were pampered by the older mothers, and by everyone. They were given gifts for the baby and for themselves, most of the time, cash gifts.
On Mothering Sundays, Nne nwas worshipped and celebrated at their husband's home churches, but after church, and after celebrating at home with family, they could be seen walking with babies tied to their backs with wrapper and oja, carrying their new umbrellas spread over the baby's head or hung from the elbow, on their way to visit their mothers and families for the new grandmother and mother mothering Sunday celebration.
In the blazing March sun, mother and child, after trekking the distance, and sharing well wishes with so many, arrived at their destinations to cool off and enjoy the attention of the extended family.
Mothers and Grandmothers received gifts especially from their children, grandchildren and God children, mostly handcrafted gifts like baskets, bundles of broom for sweeping and embroidered handkerchiefs made at handwork and needlework classes at school. Those gifts were appreciated. Those were the good old days!
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers and mother figures out there celebrating today, especially, the new Nne nwas. God Bless you all !
For mothers who are grieving and mourning today, May the Almighty God, The Father, bring you Comfort, the kind of Comfort He alone can provide----- Amen!
Chinwe Enemchukwu
Sorrento, Florida
March 30th 2014.
Picture courtesy of
Chinwe Enemchukwu
Sorrento, Florida
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