Ember months
| Observed by | Nigerians |
|---|---|
| Type | Cultural, religious, social |
| Significance | Last four months of the year, marked by various festivities, activities, expectations, and anxieties |
| Begins | 1 September |
| Ends | 31 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Christmas, Independence Day, Harmattan |
The ember months are the last four months of the year. The term is a neologism used in Nigeria, derived from the suffix "-ember" in September, October (or "-ber"), November, and December.[1] In Nigerian popular belief, the period is sometimes associated with spiritual or supernatural influences and with a perceived increase in adverse events.[2][3]
Characteristics
[edit]These months include several religious and cultural observances, such as Independence Day, Eid al-Mawlid, and Christmas. Common activities include travel, visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and communal meals.[3]
Economic, agricultural, educational, and entertainment activities often increase during this period. Traders and business owners respond to higher demand for goods and services.[3] Farmers harvest and sell crops.[4] Students prepare for examinations and graduation ceremonies.[5] Entertainers organise shows and events.[6]
Many people make plans for the end of the year and the start of the next, which may include work-related targets, bonuses, or time with family and friends.[3][7]
Concerns during this period can include financial pressures, social obligations, health issues, and security risks.[3] Some beliefs link the ember months to a higher likelihood of accidents or other misfortunes.[8]
Origins and usage
[edit]The term "ember months" most likely originated from the last five letters that make up the spelling of each month except October. It may also have originated as a play on the English word "ember," meaning "a small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire."[9] This has been interpreted as a metaphor for the closing months of the year.
The term is widely used in Nigeria in media, education, religion, business, and government. It is employed to provide information, caution, or encouragement during this period,[3][8] to describe events or patterns occurring at this time,[10] and to convey sentiments associated with the season.[7]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Ember Months". Lexico. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 16 October 2023.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ Udeagha, Nduka (7 April 2025). "African Belief Systems, Ember Months, and Demonic Forces in Nigeria: The Pentecostal Influence". Journal of Religion in Africa: 1–33. doi:10.1163/15700666-12340329. ISSN 0022-4200. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Welcome to the Ember months". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ↑ "Ember Months: Farmers harvesting more crops in Nasarawa". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 29 November 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "NECO releases timetable for 2021 exams". Premium Times. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ↑ "The biggest Nigerian concerts of the decade". Pulse Nigeria. 30 December 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2023.[permanent dead link] Cite error: Unknown parameter "name"pulse"" in
<ref>tag; supported parameters are dir, follow, group, name (see the help page). - 1 2 "Ember month guidelines and how e go affect travel for Nigeria". BBC News Pidgin. 2 September 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- 1 2 "Unravelling the ember months' myth". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ↑ "Ember". Lexico. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 27 April 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ↑ "Why Nigerians are scared during this period of the year". Pulse Nigeria. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
