My first period was one of the most memorable events of my life. I had already learned about menstruation in school and was not looking forward to what I saw as a monthly disruption of my life. However, I treasure it because beyond teaching me how to use a pad and what to expect, my mother prepared etor to usher me into womanhood.
Etor is a sacred Ghanaian traditional celebratory dish that is prepared with yam or semi-ripe plantain and served with groundnuts, boiled eggs and avocado. It is eaten to celebrate milestones like birthdays, graduations and other important events like puberty rites and festivals. It is also prepared for brides as a filling breakfast with a traditional significance because the eggs signify fertility.
It is the traditional version of a celebration cake, and a very important dish in Ghanaian culture. However, today most Ghanaian homes no longer prepare etor to mark milestones. It is like many other customs and aspects of our culture that have been swallowed by Western practices.