As Thanksgiving approaches, it's natural to wonder how this holiday is observed in other parts of the world. Many people ask if Thanksgiving is celebrated in Nigeria, and the answer is nuanced and deeply rooted in cultural traditions. While not a national holiday in the same way as in the United States, the spirit of Thanksgiving resonates in various forms throughout Nigeria.
For many, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude, love, and unity. As a couple with diverse backgrounds, it’s essential to embrace and honor each other’s cultural traditions.
The Igbo "New Yam Festival": A Nigerian Thanksgiving
In the Igbo nation of Nigeria, the "New Yam Festival," known as "Iri Ji" or "Iwa Ji" in the Igbo language, bears striking similarities to the American Thanksgiving. The Iri Ji is a thanksgiving festival to God for a bountiful harvest at the beginning of the harvesting period.
It typically takes place over three days in different towns and kingdoms across the Igbo nation, usually between July and September. Since July through September is a long vacation (summer vacation) in Nigeria, schools are not in session.
Similarities between American Thanksgiving and Igbo Iri Ji
The American Thanksgiving and the Igbo Iri Ji share common cultural origins and essence:
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- Farmers-based origin: Both festivals have roots in agricultural traditions.
- Duration: Both historically lasted for about three days.
- Focus on gratitude: Both fiestas primarily thank God for blessings upon humanity.
So, yes, thanksgiving is celebrated in Nigeria within the Igbo nation. However, it's important to note that it's not a national holiday like American Thanksgiving, nor is it celebrated simultaneously across Igboland.
Blending Cultures: A Personal Thanksgiving Celebration
Being a Black American woman married to a first-generation Nigerian man has allowed us to create a beautiful tapestry of customs and flavors that enrich our holiday celebrations. Incorporating both African and African-American elements into our celebration.
One of the first things I made for my husband was some good old-fashioned cornbread, made with my no-so-secret ingredients of salted butter and whipped cream cheese to keep it moist, in my favorite cast iron skillet. We were new to our relationship, but he raved about how it was the best he’d ever had. Almost ten years later, and that’s still his most requested dish, especially on Thanksgiving. From dating to marriage, sharing a meal is and always will be our favorite way to reconnect and enjoy the pleasures of each other’s company.
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One of the most exciting aspects of blending our cultures is the opportunity to explore new flavors and dishes. Classic Thanksgiving staples like turkey, stuffing, and baked macaroni and cheese are incorporated while infusing the table with jollof rice, suya, and plantains. Our daughter especially loves puff puff, a traditional snack made of sweetened fried dough and eaten across Africa, and cornbread, a staple in the South.
Thanksgiving is a family affair, and involving both sides of our families in the preparation process is crucial. We host a cooking day where family members from both sides come together to prepare their favorite dishes. It’s a beautiful way for our families to bond, share culinary knowledge, and create new traditions.
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A Nigerian-Style Turkey Recipe
For those looking to infuse their Thanksgiving turkey with Nigerian flavors, here's a recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 fully defrosted or fresh turkey
- 1/2 cup of Nigerian hot pepper
- 1/2 cup of bouillon
- 1/4 cup of garlic powder
- 1/8 cup curry
- 2 teaspoons of thyme
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 2 large onions
- 2 large lemons
- 3 cups of chicken stock
- 8 red potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Make sure that if your turkey is store-bought and defrosted, that you open it, drain the liquid, remove the gizzards and neck from the inside and pat it dry before you start working with it.
- You can cut off some excess fat if you feel so inclined.
- Put all your dry spices together in a bowl, making sure everything is evenly distributed
- Add the vegetable oil to the dry spices mixture and incorporate it to create a sort of paste (this makes it easier to spread on the turkey).
- Take the mixture and rub directly on the turkey, underneath the skin. Don't forget the legs.
- Take the butter and cut it into 8 even pieces and distribute around the turkey, underneath the skin. Make sure to place one underneath the skin on each leg.
- Cut the onions, lemons and potatoes into quarters
- Stuff half the onions and all the lemon pieces into the turkey
- Put the potatoes and the remaining onions into the roasting pan itself and pour the chicken stock all around them, but not directly onto the turkey
- Cover the turkey with foil and put in the oven. Don't forget to set your timer for the allotted time for your turkey, less 20 minutes
- Be sure to baste your turkey half way through so that you can get all those great juices all over it.
- Check the temperature of the turkey once the timer goes off and if at temperature(180 degrees F), uncover and leave in oven for the remaining 20 minutes to brown.
At the heart of Thanksgiving is the practice of gratitude. In our blended celebration, we take time to express our thanks for our diverse backgrounds, the love that brought us together, and the richness of our cultures.
Blending our cultural traditions for Thanksgiving has brought my husband and me closer than ever. It’s a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that our differences should be celebrated.
Whether it's the American Thanksgiving, the Igbo Iri Ji, or a unique blend of traditions, the essence of giving thanks remains universal. As we celebrate, let us remember to be grateful for the blessings in our lives and extend goodwill and compassion to others.
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