Eku New Month
New month, new beginnings
New month wishes, new month prayers, new month messages were terms trending in Nigeria on July 1st.
As a Nigerian, I have received numerous of these messages and prayers and wishes, and I have always asked myself why people send these.
I initially thought it was related to the ‘Ekú’ syndrome, where Nigerians (mostly Yoruba speakers) always send ‘Ekú’ wishes and messages whether or not they mean it. ‘Ekú’ is a greeting that acknowledges situations (good or bad) and shows solidarity. So we say, ‘Ekú summer’, ‘Ekú elections’, ‘Ekú Covid’ and so on.
But now I am starting to realize that the new month’s wishes, prayers and messages have more meaning behind them and stem from the belief in newness; new chances, new beginnings and new opportunities. It signifies growth as well as hopefulness even if it is every 28–31 days.
And so as we start this new season of newness, it is important to let go of the past, take risks and let go of fears, create goals and plans, have a community to grow with and of course meditate, reflect and be grateful.
I am back to building with an air of newness 🙂
