Because it is a sacred time of peace to respect the gods and ancestors.
Okonkwo was a warrior in the war of Umuofia against Isike. In that war, 12 of Isike's men were killed to 2 from Umuofia. Before the end of the fourth market week (16 days) Isike sued for peace.
Okonkwo breaks the sacred Peace of Ani, also known as the Week of Peace, by beating Ojiugo, his third wife. He is forced to sacrifice to the goddess and repent. His neighbours look down upon Okonkwo for the sacrilege, and also for not being outwardly repentant, as they think he is not genuinely repenting.
Before, any person who broke the week of peace would be killed. However, villagers found that the act of killing itself was an affront to the gods and goddesses. Thus the punishment afterward was much lighter, and involved sacrificing to the gods and goddesses and repenting.
Okonkwo beats his wife (possibly second...you may want to look this up as I read the book months ago). This is unheard of because during the week of peace, all violence is frowned upon.
Because it is a sacred time of peace to respect the gods and ancestors.
During the week of peace, no work is to be done. People are to be at peace with each other, inflicting no violence at all. People generally talk with each other in their huts during this week.
Okonkwo was a warrior in the war of Umuofia against Isike. In that war, 12 of Isike's men were killed to 2 from Umuofia. Before the end of the fourth market week (16 days) Isike sued for peace.
Sunday
We observe Holy Week, we do not celebrate it. It is the week when we remember the passion and death of Our Lord.
Okonkwo beat his wife during the week of peace, the one week of the year in which no violence was to be committed. As this week of peace was a tribute to the gods, this was considered sacrilege and an offense to the gods.
Most cultures observe Sunday as the first day of the week.
The week of peace was origanated after a unusally large swarm of locust wiped out the crops of many tribes in Africa including the Igbo tribe. After the loss it was decided that they sould take one week a year to pray for crops.
The Week of Peace is a period of harmony and non-violence observed in some traditional African societies, often at the start of the planting season. During this time, conflicts are usually resolved peacefully, and people come together to promote unity and cooperation. It is seen as a sacred time to set aside differences and focus on community well-being.
Okonkwo commits the crime of beating his wife, Ojiugo, during the Week of Peace by violating the rules of the sacred week. This action angers the gods and disrupts the peace and sanctity of the community.
The Week of Peace is a tradition in Igbo culture to honor and show respect for the earth goddess, Ani. It is observed to maintain peace, harmony, and order within the community. Breaking the peace during this week is seen as a serious offense that requires atonement through sacrifices and rituals.
Okonkwo beat his third wife, Ojiugo, during the week of peace for her negligence in failing to prepare meals for either himself or her children.