Project – Impact of Christianity on Ogugu burial rites Kogi State of Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Christianity has had a significant impact on the burial rites of the Igala people in Kogi State, Nigeria. The Igala people, traditionally, have a rich cultural heritage, with their burial rites being an integral part of their identity. However, with the advent of Christianity, these rites have undergone significant changes (Apeh, 2013).

According to Apeh (2013), the traditional Igala burial rites involved a series of rituals, including the washing of the corpse, the use of specific burial cloths, and the performance of certain dances and songs. These rites were believed to ensure the safe passage of the deceased to the afterlife. However, the introduction of Christianity has led to a shift in these practices.

Christianity, with its emphasis on life after death and resurrection, has influenced the Igala people to adopt new burial practices. The traditional rituals have been replaced with Christian rites such as prayers, hymns, and the reading of the Bible (Ocholi, 2016). The burial cloths have been replaced with white garments, symbolizing purity and resurrection.

Despite these changes, some elements of the traditional Igala burial rites have been retained. For instance, the practice of mourning and the celebration of the deceased’s life are still observed, albeit in a Christian context (Ocholi, 2016). This suggests a syncretism of traditional Igala culture and Christianity.

However, this transition has not been without its challenges. Some members of the Igala community have resisted these changes, arguing that they erode the cultural identity of the Igala people (Apeh, 2013). This resistance highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adopting new religious beliefs.

The impact of Christianity on Igala burial rites in Kogi State is evident in the significant changes in the practices and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. While some elements of the traditional rites have been retained, the influence of Christianity is undeniable. Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of these changes on the Igala culture and identity.

• Statement of the Problem

The impact of Christianity on Igala burial rites in Kogi State, Nigeria, is a topic that has been the subject of much debate and research. The Igala people, who are predominantly Christian, have a rich cultural heritage that includes unique burial rites. However, the advent of Christianity has brought about significant changes in these practices (Apeh, 2013).

According to Apeh (2013), the traditional Igala burial rites involve a series of rituals that are believed to ensure the safe passage of the deceased to the afterlife. These rites include the washing and dressing of the body, the performance of dances and songs, and the offering of sacrifices. However, with the spread of Christianity among the Igala people, many of these traditional practices have been replaced with Christian rites such as prayers, hymns, and the reading of the Bible.

The impact of this change on the Igala community is profound. On one hand, it has led to a loss of cultural identity, as many of the traditional burial rites are no longer practiced. On the other hand, it has also led to a reduction in the costs associated with burial ceremonies, as Christian rites are generally less elaborate and less expensive (Ochonu, 2014).

However, not all Igala people have embraced these changes. According to a study by Ochonu (2014), there is a significant segment of the Igala population that still adheres to traditional burial rites, despite the influence of Christianity. This suggests that while Christianity has had a significant impact on Igala burial rites, it has not completely eradicated them.

The tension between traditional and Christian burial rites in the Igala community is a reflection of the broader conflict between tradition and modernity in Africa. As Ekechi (1996) argues, the adoption of Christianity by African societies has often resulted in a clash between traditional beliefs and Christian doctrines, leading to a complex process of cultural negotiation and adaptation.

The impact of Christianity on Igala burial rites in Kogi State is a complex and multifaceted issue. While Christianity has brought about significant changes in these rites, it has not completely replaced them. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of this cultural shift for the Igala community and for Nigerian society as a whole (Ekechi, 1996).

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Christianity on Ogugu burial rites Kogi State of Nigeria. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the influence of Christianity on the traditional Ogugu burial rites in Kogi State, Nigeria.
2. To identify the changes in Ogugu burial rites as a result of the introduction and spread of Christianity in Kogi State.
3. To understand the perception of the Ogugu community towards the changes in their burial rites due to Christianity.
4. To investigate the conflicts, if any, between the traditional Ogugu burial rites and Christian practices in Kogi State.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. How has Christianity influenced the traditional Ogugu burial rites in Kogi State, Nigeria?
2. What changes have occurred in Ogugu burial rites as a result of the introduction and spread of Christianity in Kogi State?
3. How does the Ogugu community perceive the changes in their burial rites due to Christianity?
4. Are there any conflicts between the traditional Ogugu burial rites and Christian practices in Kogi State? If so, what are they?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Christianity has no significant influence on the traditional Ogugu burial rites in Kogi State.

H1: Christianity has significant influence on the traditional Ogugu burial rites in Kogi State.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The study of the impact of Christianity on Ogugu burial rites in Kogi State, Nigeria, holds significant importance in several respects. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the cultural transformation that has occurred within the Ogugu community. The influence of Christianity on traditional practices, such as burial rites, is a clear indication of the cultural shifts and adaptations that have taken place over time. This study, therefore, serves as a valuable resource for anthropologists, sociologists, and historians interested in cultural changes and adaptations in response to religious influences.

Secondly, the study sheds light on the dynamics of religious and cultural coexistence. It provides insights into how the Ogugu community has managed to integrate Christian practices into their traditional burial rites, thereby creating a unique blend of cultural and religious practices. This information is crucial for religious scholars and theologians studying the interplay between religion and culture, particularly in African societies.

Thirdly, the study contributes to the broader discourse on the impact of Christianity on African traditional practices. By focusing on a specific community and a specific practice, the study provides detailed, context-specific insights that enrich our understanding of the broader phenomenon. This is particularly important for scholars and researchers interested in the African context, where the influence of Christianity has been profound and far-reaching.

Fourthly, the study has implications for conflict resolution. By investigating any conflicts between the traditional Ogugu burial rites and Christian practices, the study provides valuable insights into how such conflicts can be managed or resolved. This is particularly relevant for community leaders, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations working in areas where cultural and religious practices intersect and sometimes clash.

Fifthly, the study is significant for the Ogugu community itself. It provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their cultural practices and the changes they have undergone. This can lead to a better understanding of their own cultural identity and heritage, and can also contribute to community cohesion and pride.

Lastly, the study is important for the field of religious studies. It provides a case study of how a global religion like Christianity can be localized and adapted to fit into a specific cultural context. This can contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of religious adaptation and localization, which is a key area of interest in religious studies.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Christianity on Ogugu burial rites Kogi State of Nigeria. The study is restricted to people in Kogi State of Nigeria

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

“Impact” refers to the effect or influence that one event, situation, or entity has on another. In this context, it refers to the changes or transformations that have occurred in the Ogugu burial rites as a result of Christianity.

“Christianity” is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament. It is the world’s largest religion, with various denominations and beliefs, but all centered around the figure of Jesus Christ.

“Burial rites” are the customs, rituals, and ceremonies conducted by various cultures and religions around the world in relation to death. These rites can include the preparation of the body, the actual burial or cremation, and any subsequent memorial services or commemorations. In the context of the Ogugu people in Kogi State, Nigeria, these rites would be specific to their cultural and traditional practices.

Project – Impact of Christianity on Ogugu burial rites Kogi State of Nigeria