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Culture Essay

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Running head: Module 1-Culture Essay

Week One Homework
Ubong Jimmy Essien
Grand Canyon University: HLT 324V
March 8, 2012

Definition of Culture
Culture id the quality in a person or society that arise from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in art, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits etc. (http://dictionary.reference.com). It is the way of life of a particular society or group of people, including patterns of thought, beliefs, behavior, customs, traditions, rituals, dress, and language as well as art, music and literature. (Webster, 1992).

Introduction
Every country has unique cultures and sub cultures which “form the essence of the group to which one belongs” (Module 1, lecture). Hence the social norms, traditions, and beliefs and values that people share, together form their culture. My culture is the Ibibio culture of Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria. This essay will focus on the religion, ethnicity and beliefs about health care.

The Ibibios of South Eastern Nigeria are the fifth largest groups in the country. They live in what is now known as the Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria. The other ethnic groups that share the state with the Ibibios are the Anang people, Oron people, and Eket people as well as Ibeno people. These ethnic groups have different dialects and sub-cultures. However, they understand each other and co-operate in areas of commerce, education, health care, religion, and politics. For over two hundred years or more, Akwa Ibom ethnic groups have lived together in harmony, promoting self-worth and determination, respect and tolerance. These ethnic communities share schools, market places, churches and health institutions as well as government and other resources. The majority of Ibibio or Akwa Ibom people are Christians and Muslims still hold onto their indigenous beliefs. In the traditional Ibibio culture, health care was provided by native doctors or herbalists. These were men and women trained to know the different herbs and roots with medicinal qualities, and for what ailments they were indicated, how to prepare and administer them (www.everyculture.com) Mid-wives were exclusively women who provided gynecological and maternity services to women while the native doctors provided a wide range of services including urology. The modern Ibibio people like most Nigerians if other tribes, use both the western or modern health maintenance. This belief in traditional foods and herbs that have medical qualities cause Ibibios that live in countries like Britain, Germany, and United States to import vegetables, herbs, spices, and things like bitter nuts from their homeland. Ibibios eat a lot of fish oils keep blood pressure normal, while bitter herbs and bitter nuts help regulate body systems and maintain homeostasis. As a youngster growing up, I saw my mom as our family doctor. She knew the remedies for malaria, cough, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. These remedies were also family secrets. As a matter of fact, every family had their own remedies. Mom’s remedies ranged from coffee leaves (laxative) to charcoal for vomiting, and coco-nut water for electrolyte replacement. I still eat bitter herbs and bitter nuts today for the same reason that mom prescribed them in those childhood years. Other performs of traditional medicine include oils, and ointments like black palm kernel oil which is believed to have supernatural powers to ward off evil spirits, python fat oil which can cure arthritis and can be used for whole body massage. Some form of earth (white-chalk) and the red-earth are cures for certain ailments. The Ibibios culture also has provision for the last rites and burial of the dead. Certain priests and funeral specialist handle this area of care. Traditionally, the young are breast fed until they are one to two years old. Education is both modern and traditional oral tradition. The Ibibios love music, folk songs, Ballard, and drumming and dancing. Heavy vegetarian and fish diet is believed to be healthy.

Conclusion
The Ibibios are a proud independent and hardworking people, who believe in education and self-determination. Living in the Niger delta region, they are farmers and fisherman. Over the years, my cultures have guided me and influence the areas of health care and diet. However, I use both modern medicine and alternative remedies together.
References
http://www.alcsgonline.com http://www.everyculture.com http://godswill@kpohio.com

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