It is often believed in Africa, especially in Igbo socio-cultural context that rain brings good tidings and unspeakable joy. Sometimes, it is referred to as "Showers of Blessing," Ezeugo, Toochukwu Noble writes.
There is an intriguing feeling of positivity that comes with rain in the hearts of children and adults. Little children go twirling, dancing, and playing in the rain. Some muddle themselves beyond recognition in mud. While enjoying the act, under the same breath they chant, "Rain rain go away, come again another day..." Even when scolded by their parents not to go under the rain for being sick, they want on playing in the rain behind the sight of their parents.
For adults, a rainy day usually brings good weather for deep thought, research, rest, and fun which attracts special kinds of meals like "maize and nuts" pear and roasted yam. Inspirations are gotten at the moment of rain; new songs of rain in different genres are composed.
When reminiscing, as adults you look at the younger ones flaunting their childlike innocence and spirit as they freely dance away under the rain, it brings to mind that there is something about the rain that sparks positivity in everyone.
For most farmers, rain speaks of a good farming season and a good harvest to come.
Away from sentimental feelings, rain is believed to have religious and spiritual inclinations. There is the belief that there are gods that permit rain to fall or keep it away from humans to create famine. When one has a special occasion such as a wedding or funeral such gods could be consulted to withhold rain hence, revealing the mystical power behind the rain.
Again to placate the sacredness of rain, spiritualists and farmers celebrated and appreciated rain as a gift from the god of rain hence it is seen for its benevolence as the giver of life since it rejuvenates the earth and human life.
Suffice this to think and say that the heavy downpour in Abakaliki yesterday and early hours of today which could be considered the heaviest rainfall so far this year is significant. Its significance could be wired around His Excellency, Rt Honourable Francis Nwifuru who will be sworn in as the fourth civilian governor of Ebonyi state today. His coming is accompanied by rainfall suggesting calm and a good beginning. As rain washes away dirty around us and gives us new breath, the rain of yesterday and early hours of today washed away thoroughly all the evil and ungodly remnants of the past administration and brings in fresh and new hope in the hearts of both young and old.
Just as the "Aprils rain brings May Flower" and fresh buds of the crop, the rain introduced Rt. Honourable Nwifuru as a new seed with soothing weather for a bright day for all.
Suggestively, His Excellency Rt. Honourable Francis O. Nwifuru is the effervescence of rain to the people of izzi and Ebonyi state in general.
We hope and pray he will understand the effects of rain on humans and other living things and govern as rainbows and bubbles of rain.
Congratulations your Excellency.
Ezeugo, Toochukwu Noble is our Guest Writer.
