Reviving a Timeless Tradition
By Dr Jude Iyitor
Today, November 4th, we commemorate the Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, a Catholic celebration that once brought Ubulu together. As we look to the future, let’s rediscover the joy and unity of our past.
On that magical day, Ubulu transformed into a haven of joy and unity. Neighbours from far and wide gathered to share in our delight, creating a vibrant tapestry of smiles and laughter.
With loving devotion, our mothers rose at midnight to craft sumptuous meals, filling the air with mouthwatering scents that tantalized and delighted. Our children, radiant in their new finery, beamed with excitement, their happiness contagious.
As our community came together, genuine warmth and affection filled every corner. Faces aglow with joy, hearts full of love, and spirits lifted by the promise of celebration – that unforgettable day remains forever etched in our collective memory, a testament to the power of love and connection.
Ubulu’s story became one of gradual forgetting. The feast, once a cherished institution, slowly succumbed to the passage of time. As the town’s fabric unraveled, its people lost touch with the past.
The midnight cooks, the children’s new clothes, the festive air – all faded into memory. Life moved on, leaving behind a whisper of what once was. The town’s heart, once full of laughter and song, grew quiet.
Yet, amidst the stillness, a glimmer remains. A spark within the town’s collective soul, waiting to reignite the flame of community and tradition. For in Ubulu’s forgotten stories lies a hidden truth: that even the most faded memories can awaken anew, given the breath of life.
Omelife Ubulu may be a fading memory, but its spirit remains. Let’s reignite the flame of community and tradition, honoring our forebears’ legacy and building a brighter future for generations to come
___Jude Iyitor, PhD, a Lagos based business consultant is from Ubulu-Uku.