Obitun Festival in Ondo: An Initiation Rite into Womanhood
The Ondo people live in southwestern Nigeria and represent one of the largest subgroups of the Yoruba ethnic group. The Ondo people live as one large family because they share the same historical context, traditions and cultural heritage that define them . The culture and traditions of the Ondo people are very rich, fascinating and exciting. In the heart of Ondo city, the Ekimoguni, as the Ondo people are known, celebrate their daughters’ transition into womanhood through a celebratory ritual called “Obitun,” meaning “new woman.” The Obitun Festival, held by the Ondo people in ancient times, is very different from the modern Obitun cultural dance, which is now performed only for entertainment at public events.Only the dance aspect of…
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