Ocho- The wrestling contest among girls in Afikpo
This wrestling contest among girls was an annual event in Afikpo. It was however, restricted to the villages of Amachi and Ugwu-egu in Afikpo.
It was associated with the commencement of Ogo okochi (dry season male initiation ceremonies). It took place around the middle of November, and marked the beginning of about three months (November to January) of restricted movement of women on the playgrounds (Ogo).
Grown-up girls from the traditional villages met and wrestled for about an hour each evening during four consecutive Eke market days. Again, boys acted as umpires and the contests were usually keen.
Wrestling contests among girls should not only be revived in those areas like Afikpo, where they were popular, but should be introduced to other parts of the state at the village, town and school levels.
In Afikpo for instance, Mgba Akpukpa, Mgba Uzo Iyi and Igba Suba was not only a form of physical exercise, it also helpful in adding social and moral values. Quarrels among girls and women were easily settled at the wrestling arena. This is a healthy cultural heritage that should not be allowed to die out completely. It is up to everyone in the Igbo society, especially those in charge of sporting activities to introduce wrestling among the female folks.
Posted in Culture | Date:December 24th , 2018 | Comments: 0| Views: 226Related Information:
- Ebonyi Business
- Ebonyi Culture
- Ebonyi Education
- Ebonyi Entertainment
- Ebonyi Health
- Ebonyi History
- Ebonyi Politics
Say Something about Ocho- The wrestling contest among girls in Afikpo