Symbolically, this was love shared! Every plate taken by the beneficiaries, usually after a careful observation and if permitted, a lengthy weighing, signifies love flowing from one source (the mother or guardian) to all the members of the family, wards or children! Every member of this family system, was responsible for the others; they looked out for one another, they gossiped together, they bantered together , they cried and laughed together, they resolved conflicts together. Nobody ever thought of harming the other either for selfish interest or out of jealousy for whatever affects one, affects the other and whatever fortune falls on one, is share by the others. This is the traditional family system we have gradually abandoned and we now slander, betray and even eliminate one 'who calls us brother and sister '. We have placed a knife on the things that held us together, and the centre can no longer HOLD!
Conscience before Religion!
Chukwuyem Othniel Omijie (PhD)
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