Culture: A Way Of Life

Growing up in Nigeria I heard the same definition of culture over and over again: “Culture is the way of life of a people.” It was in every social studies class, every exam, every essay. And while that definition is true, life has taught me that culture is so much more than the way we eat, greet, or dress.

Culture is one of those things that you don’t just learn about, you feel it. It’s in the colors that brighten our gatherings, the music that fills our air, and the food that tastes like memory. It’s the way you feel connected to a thousand people you’ve never met, just because you all share the same traditions and because there are a lot of things to relate with together.

As a proud Yoruba woman, my culture is colorful and expressive. You see it in our traditional weddings, which are like a festival of joy. I still remember my cousin’s wedding like it happened yesterday.

She was dressed in a shimmering aso-oke, with a gele that stood tall like a crown. Her smile could light up the room, and she danced in with the groom or as we fondly call him, “Oko Iyawo” the air was alive with joy. His family came bearing gifts that carried blessings: yam, honey, palm wine, salt, palm oil, fruits, and a Bible. Each item whispered a prayer for sweetness, abundance, and peace in their new home.

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Let's also talk about the music, the talking drums began to sing. If you’ve ever been to a Yoruba wedding, you know that the drums don’t just make music, they talk to your soul. They called out the family names, praised the couple, and set the rhythm for the dancing.
And then what is a traditional wedding without noise here and there, everyone trying to do one thing or the other. Around me, the women were laughing and talking loudly in that special Yoruba way that turns noise into comfort. Every corner of the compound smelled like party jollof rice and soft, stretchy amala, asaro that is yam and potato porridge with pepper the kind that somehow only tastes that good at weddings.

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But one thing about culture is that admiration travels beyond borders. Among the many Nigerian cultures I admire, the Igbo culture holds a special place in my heart. Their traditional weddings feel like a royal celebration. The bride is treated like a queen, adorned with coral beads, rich wrappers, and a glow that money can’t buy. And speaking of money, the shower of gifts and cash they give to their bride is a sight that never fails to amaze me. It’s a culture that celebrates love loudly and beautifully. And their food? From isi ewu to nkwobi,and ofe nsala, it’s a culinary adventure I would love to experience more often.

Culture, to me, is not just about where you are from; it’s about connection, memory, and pride. It is the invisible thread that ties us to our people, and sometimes, even to those whose cultures we only admire from afar. It is the pride in seeing your people honor their roots. It’s what makes every gathering more than just an event, it makes it a story, a memory, a feeling that never leaves you

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: culture is not just a way of life, it is life itself.