Here’s my entry for how Christmas is celebrated in the Efik culture:
In the Efik culture, Christmas is a time for celebration, feasting, and merriment. The Efik people are an ethnic group from the southeastern region of Nigeria, and their Christmas traditions are a unique blend of African and Christian customs.
Preparations for Christmas begin early, with families cleaning and decorating their homes with colorful lights, flowers, and traditional Efik decorations. The women of the household spend hours cooking traditional Efik dishes, such as afang soup, ekpang nkukwo, and plantain porridge.
On Christmas Eve, families gather together for a special church service, known as "Watchnight Service". The service typically features traditional Efik music, dancing, and prayers. After the service, families return home to feast and celebrate into the night.
On Christmas Day, families visit each other, exchange gifts, and share food and drinks. The traditional Efik attire, known as " wrappers" and " George", are worn on this day to add to the festive atmosphere.
In the evening, families gather together again for a grand feast, featuring a variety of traditional Efik dishes. The feast is typically accompanied by traditional Efik music and dancing, and the celebration continues late into the night.
Overall, Christmas in the Efik culture is a time for family, friends, food, and celebration. It's a unique and joyous occasion that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Efik people.