Today is September 1. It not only marks the beginning of the new month but also the last four months of the year popularly referred to as Ember months. It is that period of the year when Nigerians are ‘spiritually sensitive’ and it is the goal of many that they see the end of the year. People have different views and perceptions about Ember months.
These months could mean a lot to different people. Some have the perception that ember months are tender, risky and dicey. It is believed that it is a time when death toll increases. Many relate it to spiritual issues and others to the ‘wickedness of men’.
This belief has become so entrenched in the consciousness of people that various religious groups and other institutions regularly organize special prayer sessions usually to ward off evil or perceived dangers associated with the months. So it is not unusual to see faithful of various religions engage in fervent spiritual warfare in a bid to dislodge blood sucking devils that are allegedly on the prowl during these months.
However, to some Nigerians, Ember months are when families and individuals are in so much hurry to make all the money they have not made since the beginning of the year so they could meet up with expenses in the season. The simple thought of Ember months can stir up feelings of excitement as well as anxiety from those who could not meet up with the challenges involved, considering all the tasks that need to be carried out for this major season.
Ember months could be hectic and indulging as well because some would want to travel because of Christmas and end of the year. People tend to lose concentration and throw everything in the wind, all in the name of making money before the year ends so they can measure standards and compete with others. It is likely the widely accepted official time for individuals to review performances, especially for people that prefer spending their end of year holidays at their hometown. At this period, there is increase in the prices of things and high demand on the season related purchases.
Crime rate is usually on the increase. Some hooligans see it as an opportunity to swindle people of their money and valuables, especially those who are greedy, are usually caught in the web.
Regardless of how one perceives the period, it does not change the fact that Ember months help to draw our heart to remember and appreciate our family, friends and loved ones that mean a lot to us as we await their homecoming in excitement and enthusiasm. During this period, lots of activities are scheduled such as marriages, anniversaries, child dedication, and home coming parties. People also tend to use this period to host thanksgivings such as house warming, birthday parties and so on in order to express their gratitude to God for his blessings upon their lives.
Ember month is indeed, a very sensitive and delicate period of the end of the year. It is, however, high time people sensitized their mindset on “Ember Month”. It is evident that road accidents are caused majorly by people’s non compliance to traffic rules such as ensuring that their vehicles are in good condition, over speeding, drunkenness, overloading, and use of phones while driving. Therefore, road accidents during the “Ember Month” may not be due to entirely spiritual causes.
It is only in living modestly and responsibly that we could avoid the dangers and hiccups that are sometimes associated with ember months. If only we could rid ourselves of our usual ‘ember months’ excesses, we would discover that nothing is actually wrong with the months.
Written by CHINMA ENEM
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