By Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth
“Kola nut remains a symbol of hospitality, which is why it’s the first thing offered to a guest in Igbo land.”
In the Southeastern part of Nigeria, that comprises of the Igbos, the ethnic community whose culture and tradition is well embedded in their root, kola nut called ‘Ojị Igbo’ plays a crucial part in ceremonies and gatherings, but it is primarily a way of welcoming visitors to one’s home.
The kola nut is a sacred symbol among the Igbos, and it tells the story of their religious reality whose presentation and sharing symbolizes unity, love, peace, kindness and gratitude.
This ethnic group attachment to their kola nut cultures define who the people are, what they celebrate, and how they welcome and entertain guests at all events of any significance.
In Igbo culture, the ‘Oji’ is a symbolic ritual of respect, and is offered by hosts to make guests feel welcome. Before any kind of discussion is carried out in any Igbo gathering, there must be a formal kola nut presentation, hence in an ideal social life, kola nut comes first.
No serious Igbo event can ever be concluded without the formal presentation of this traditional nut called Oji Igbo. Its arrival at home, in the gathering of kinsmen and women for any range of events, is synonymous with the formal commencement of such an event, and is also indicative of the seriousness attached to such a gathering. Thus, it is usually said among the people that ‘kola nut does not come out for any fun’.
Based on this understanding therefore the Igbo proverb says that ‘Onye wetere Oji wetere ndu’ (He who brings kola brings life). This simple proverb explains the unique symbolism and significance with which the Igbo associate the nut with. Oji functions as the most iconic symbol of honor which heralds the formal commencement of any activities, functions, or visitations in Igbo land.
The indication here is that the cultures of breaking kola nut are overwhelmingly crucial in the traditional life of the Igbo, and is conducted with great reverence and supplication. At any such events when this ancient nut is absent and not formally presented to guests and persons in attendance, it could simply be concluded to an important scenario, a child’s play, and an event of no significance.
Breaking of kola nut could be counted among the most iconic cultures and traditions which identify the Igbo wherever they are found in the globe, including those in the diaspora. Guests who are not presented or offer kola nut to, never feel welcome, such guests count themselves as persons of ill luck.
Kola nuts represent an object of communion, prayers, and esteemed point of contact with God and the ancestors of the land, after prayers are said. As a mark of respect, the kola nut is broken with a knife and shared in bits to visitors, Igbo tradition exclusively accords men (males) the rights of kola nuts breaking.
In some communities, it is the eldest male who conducts the kola nut prayers, as well as breaks them, while in some other areas, younger men are given the privilege of performing this rare task.
The Igbo believe that the breaking of the kola is an invitation of the supernatural to be part of the activities of the living and bear witness in any occasion they are summoned. He would bless and break the kola nut by saying Chukwu and other forces of their religion have been benevolent to them.
In traditional marriage, kola nut is used to enter into covenant in order to retain relationship or partnership. It is used as a symbol of unity at weddings. The couple exchanging and eating the nut together also symbolizes their ability to heal one another. The couple and their family share the nut in Nigerian ceremonies.
For naming ceremony, the event begins with the usual breaking of kola-nuts and prayer, which involves the pouring of wine libation to the gods. After this, the child is then given a name by the father. In some communities in Igbo land, a tree is also planted to represent the life and survival of the child.
For the funeral ceremony, the kola nut is broken and eaten but without the elaborate presentation and prayer ceremony.
It should be noted that in Igbo land, a woman does not break kola nut and a woman also does not take kola nut from the plate. A male, no matter the age, is qualified to take it and then hands it over to her. Women are also forbidden from planting or climbing kola tree or plucking kola nut.
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