Ewu – The Role of the Goat in Igbo Life
In Igbo tradition, Ewu (goat) is more than a domesticated animal—it is a sacred and social currency, often offered in sacrifices, ceremonies, and rites of passage. When Igbo people say, "Ewu a tụrụ Chukwu" (the goat offered to God), it reflects how deeply interwoven the goat is with spirituality and reverence. Ewu is one of the most common animals used in sacrificial rituals to appease ancestors, honor the gods, or seal covenants. Its blood is believed to carry spiritual weight, transmitting prayers and intentions to the spiritual realm.
Beyond its spiritual use, Ewu is central to celebratory events. At traditional weddings, child-naming ceremonies, and festivals, the slaughtering of a goat symbolizes joy, wealth, and readiness to host. Offering an Ewu shows respect to visitors and elders, especially during visits to in-laws, when a goat may be presented as part of bride-price customs or settlements of honor. In many communities, to gift someone an Ewu is to show sincere goodwill and cultural understanding.
On a practical level, goats provide meat, skins, and prestige. A person with many goats is often considered wealthy and responsible. Children grow up knowing how to tend goats, learning responsibility and value from a young age. In stories, proverbs, and rituals, Ewu remains a quiet but central figure—symbolizing life, tradition, and the sacred balance between man and the divine.
