Due to deep encroachments of Christianity in Owerri-North of Imo state, most native festivals, take bearing after celebration of Christmas. Because these native festivals are also tied to market days, hence the first or second Orie after Christmas, is Orie Nwyini in Azaraegbelu.
Another festival in Owerri North during this post Christmas period, is Okashi Emii. Ideally it usually falls within the dying days of December but this year’s own, will be on Afó Monday, 2nd January 2023.
Origin Of Okashi Emii
The Ancient Emii was an autonomous community in Imo State in south eastern Nigeria having the postal code 460111. It is near the city of Owerri. The ancient town of Emii has now been divided into three autonomous communities: Mbaoma, Ezimbaand Emiicentral community.
There are scratchy information about this festival as most people are interested in its carnival show than the spiritual significance of it.
It is believed that, the founding fathers of Emii, were directed by the gods to eat Okashi during a prolonged famine. This leaf sustained them and as act of gratitude to Okashi, they celebrate her and periodically reenact their journey.
Oha Emii, on the eve of the festival, goes into the bush, where it was believed the founding fathers of Emii first settled and perform some rituals, thank Okashi for sustaining them and from there, they move into the square, to commence the carnival.
The carnival includes masquerades, cultural troupes and entertaining of in laws and visitors. On Okashi day, the major ingredient in all that would be cooked and served is Okashi.
Emii people reverence Okashi so much that no home is a home in Emii, without having a small farm populated by Okashi.
What is Okashi?
Okashi, is Okazi pronounced with Owerri-North dialect. Its botanical name is Gnetum Africanum and known in English language as Wild Spinach. Okashi is high in fibre and research has shown that;
1, okazi leaf helps in weight loss and increase metabolism. It also improves digestion, acts as a laxative and prevents constipation.
2. It helps the heart by supplying it with good cholesterol which in turn replaces the bad cholesterol.
3. Okazi leaf has an appreciable amount of iodine, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and this iodine helps to prevent tooth decay.
4. Prevention of scurvy: The presence of vitamin C in Okazi leaf helps to prevent scurvy. In addition, it helps to detoxify the blood.
5. Pregnancy: it prevents nausea (morning sickness usually experienced by pregnant women). When eaten, it can also reduce pains during childbirth.
6. It can be eaten raw to prevent menstrual cramps.
Strengthens bones and teeth: okazi leaves are rich in calcium, which helps in the development of strong healthy bones. It also prevents and fight osteoporosis and rheumatism.
7.Antifungal properties: okazi leaf is traditionally known to be used in the treatment of measles in children, it is also used in the treatment of boils and warts.
8. Okazi leaf has an appreciable amount of iodine, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the thvroid.
