Nigeria is a linguistically diverse country with numerous languages and ethnic groups. Christmas in Nigeria is a family event, a time when lots of family members come together to celebrate and have fun. There are many languages spoken in Nigeria. Homes and streets are often decorated, and Christmas cards are sent to friends and family members.
Here are Christmas greetings, wishes, and phrases in a few Nigerian languages:
Yoruba lessons Ep40: Christmas and New year's Greetings
Yoruba
Greetings: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun! (Merry Christmas!)
Wishes: Ojo ibi rẹ yio dun pupọ (May your holiday be joyful)
Phrases: Ìrè tí ẹ̀dá ń gbogbo wa (Peace that surpasses all understanding)
Read also: Ethiopian Christmas Traditions
Distribution of Yoruba Language
Igbo
Greetings: E keresimesi Oma! (Merry Christmas!)
Wishes: Ijeoma na mmụọ nke ọma maka ụbọchị (Safe and pleasant travels for the holidays)
Phrases: Ọdụm nwaanyị nọ na ọ dị mma (Our sister is looking good)
Distribution of Igbo Language
Hausa
Greetings: Barka da Kirsimatikuma! (Merry Christmas!)
Wishes: Allah ya ba ka rai da amana a kowanne lokaci (May God grant you peace and security always)
Read also: African American Christmas: A Cultural Celebration
Phrases: Sallah da yamma (Celebration with happiness)
Distribution of Hausa Language
Ibibio
Greetings: Idara-Ọwọ-Isong (Merry Christmas!)
Wishes: Ọdọ nnọọ fere fi ọdọọ (Wishing you a warm and loving welcome)
Phrases: Ọdọọ fere kede mbọ (Welcome back home)
Distribution of Ibibio Language
Edo (Bini)
Greetings: Iselogbe! (Merry Christmas!)
Read also: Merry Christmas in Africa
Wishes: Osanobua ma kevbe ihama gbe ọre rẹ vbe ọghẹre (May God bless you abundantly)
Phrases: Edo ne iyare (Edo is beautiful)
Tiv
Greetings: Mbatsav! (Merry Christmas!)
Wishes: U I see ń doo (May your eyes see good things)
Phrases: Ọdo I see ń ku (May your mouth speak life)
Kanuri
Greetings: Barka da Kirsimatikuma! (Merry Christmas!)
Wishes: Allah ya ba ka damuwa da lafiya (May God give you good health)
Phrases: Wulakanci (Happiness)
In addition to serving turkey, a traditional Christmas meal in Nigeria may include beef, goat, sheep, ram or chicken. Many families will throw Christmas parties that will last all night long on Christmas Eve! Then, on Christmas Morning, they go to church to give thanks to God. Children love to play with firecrackers at Christmas. The church choir may visit the church congregation in their homes to sing Christmas carols to them.
