Toward Confluence of Yoruba and Christian Beliefs in Egúngún (Masquerade) and Father Christmas: A Comparative Symbolic Analysis

Abstract

In Africa and among the Yoruba Christians in particular, the orientation that there are divergences in their religious beliefs sometimes results in religious intolerance culminating in religious conflict. Therefore, this study investigated the beliefs of the Babakérésì (Father Christmas) and Egúngún (Masquerade). Egúngún is a religious event whereby, the spirit of the dead and ancestors interact with the living and Father Christmas is an annual Christian Festival. However, Father Christmas, as a socio-religious event has not been related to any form of Yoruba Egúngún. This gap is filled by this study. This study employs a cultural approach, which implies the social power that encodes culture in a society, using the comparative method. Cultural and religious elements of Egúngún- the divinity of the ancestors are compared with Nicholas and/or Santa Claus and Father Christmas to establish their relationship. It is found that religious elements of Egúngún are related to Father Christmas and Nicholas and/or Santa Claus in symbolisms- the spirits of the dead, ancestors, or saints manifest in humans to bless the children. It is equally found out that, Egúngún, Nicholas and/or Santa Claus and Father Christmas are imitated, especially in voice by the traditional and Christians during Christmas and Egúngún festivals, apart from the fact that both festivals are celebrated annually. This study concludes that there are convergences of beliefs on Father Christmas and Egúngún mediated by the spirit of the dead- ancestor inhibits in human-being. The two religions teach the same values in different modes and, therefore, the worshippers should tolerate one another by peaceful co-existence.