Why Men Wear Gele at Aladja’s Eyara Festival
At Aladja’s Eyara Festival earlier this year, I noticed some young men wearing gele styled in the way women commonly wear it. Crossdressing appears in many traditional festivals, where people take on symbolic characters or dress up for celebration and entertainment. From what I have observed, this may be a tribute to women in their lives. It can reflect the roles of mothers, sisters, wives and lovers in nurturing families and communities. It may also carry spiritual meaning. Eyara and similar festivals celebrate fertility, health and prosperity. The feminine figure is often linked with these blessings, so dressing in feminine styles may be seen as part of invoking abundance. There is also the comic and flamboyant side of celebration. Colourful clothing, playful teasing, songs and dances add humour and spectacle to the festival. I find this aspect of culture fascinating, creative and fashionable. What do you think?
Use The App To Win ₦1m
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.