COLORS OF CULTURE Culture, they say, is the heart of a people who are bound by the same belief, tongue and tribe. Culture defines a people in what they stand for, where they have been and where they are. Not only is culture a peoples way of life, but also the peoples affection, respect and value for the world and what makes up the world. During my routine body exercise last week, I ran into a dead Royal Python. Unconsciously, I stopped abruptly and yelled Wao. Ndi a egbue eke oooh. Kai! (These people have killed a Royal Python). Just then, I heard a voice behind me ask, What is the problem, Madam? I turned and a tall, handsome, fair-skinned man in his early forties was fast-walking and approaching. I smiled and told him that I wasnt expecting to see a dead something like this ~ pointing pitifully at the dead creature. The man was obviously surprised at my disposition. Whats different? Many creatures like this are killed everywhere by the minute. Why this pity? He asked in awe. You wont understand ... I didnt bother to explain further. He shrugged and held out his right hand. I am Worlanyo I shook his hand, Ife, here We both smiled and shook our heads simultaneously. See you on our way back Ok cool I responded and he walked on. I looked at the carcass once again; shook my head twice and with a wry smile, I continued with my routine, fidgeting. My pace became slower as I thought about cultures. In the place where I come, Royal Pythons are not killed for fun oh. In fact, it is a taboo to inflict harm, employ rudeness in addressing it or kill it ~ the latter being the crux of the abominations associated with it. It is seen as the guiding spirit of the ancestors and usually does not attack human beings except rodents, eggs and lesser creatures. It is revered by traditionalists who actually stand in gap when an abominable act is committed against this creature. A mythic creature, the Royal Python will be another study that I will reveal soon. Watch this space!
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 08:11:21 +0000
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