Traditions are mostly passed down from generation to generation either by word of mouth or by seen actions. For me, it was passed down through food, hehe. Yes, you read it right, I said food. Not just any food though but rice and chicken which is usually prepared in every home during Christmas.
At Christmas, my siblings, dad and relatives all go to church for service but I, being the eldest child, stay behind to help my mom cook the very famous rice and chicken stew which happens to be a popular and compulsory delicacy during that period (I wonder who made it so?)
About 90% of Nigerian homes usually prepare rice and chicken during this period and the aroma of delicious food always fills the house and even the streets so strongly that even visitors would be forced to sniff the aroma causing them to salivate knowing fully well that they would not be disappointed .
Back to the prompt…..A tradition that I cherish the most is eating together from one tray with my siblings and cousins.
From January to December 23rd, family members might not always be around due to some legitimate reasons like work, boarding school and distance but there's no excuse that should stop them from returning to the family house on the 23rd day of December.
From December 24th, every form of eating is done together. This ritual usually lasts for a week and after the New Year's celebration, everyone can then disperse back to their various bases.
I cannot recall who started this tradition in my family but for as long as I can remember, my mom has always hosted this gathering and it was always a fun time.
The adults would sit at the dining table, eating and cracking jokes freely. There was also bound to be fresh juicy gossip that we young ones would feast on and brag about to our friends later.
But the interesting part about this family eating together is that the young children of my family are asked to eat together from a large tray filled with rice and lots of fried chicken. No child dared touch the chicken until the food in the tray had finished.
I call this part the most interesting part of the festivities as I and my cousins and siblings usually competed for who would eat the most food. We would drop our spoons and any other fancy cutlery and instead use our hands to devour the food from the tray
This was so much fun as you needed to see the rate and speed at which we kids ate our food. We ate like footballers trying to win the world cup.
This tradition continues from year to year until either of us turns fifteen, then that child is formally introduced to the dining table.
As much as it felt good to sit at the dining table with your own portion of food, we still missed our silly little fights, fun and jokes shared while we ate in a rush from the huge tray of food.
I have not forgotten this tradition as I still try it out with my siblings during Christmas. We would gather round a huge tray of rice sprayed with chicken and dive in with only our hands. ”Does it sound messy?”
No it doesn't. Rather it is fun. Those who might have tried it out before can attest to this.
I doubt that I'll ever get over this tradition as it kept our sibling bond intact. We might squabble a few times but before the tray, all grievances are forgotten and we become cool again.
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