Once present, it creates an avenue to appreciate the life God gave to the people, which is done before the kola is broken. Igbo people usually break kola nut with a knife due to some reasons. And the farms much more fruitful than yesterdays harvest. In some parts of Delta Igbo, e.g Isselu Ukwu and Ubulu Ukwu, women with the traditional title of OMU can participate in breaking of kola nut. The Igbo kola is always accompanied by wine or drink because the Igbo say that “Onye nyere agbara ọjị ga enye ya mmiri ọ ga eji elofe ya" -“One who gives a deity kola has to give him water with which to assist him swallow it". If i am also correct, it is forbidden for women to directly serve kolanut. We have a kola nut tree in my compound in the villa that produces a lot of kola and big ones for that matter. Skip to the content. Subsequently, the presenter or an appointed person breaks the kola nut with his hands or using a knife. The inclusion of the kola nut ritual is an important part of Chinua Achebe's description of the Igbo society in Things Fall Apart. We break this kola nut, and as it breaks. See How To Advertise. In some instances and in the absence of kolanut, garden egg is served. Emotional and cultural attachment to kola nut in Igbo land … I found this online while looking for Yorubaland and Kolanut. The kola nut is always the first thing one has to present to a visitor. An aid or close relative breaks the remaining nuts. So in a nut shell, kola nut is highly respected in that land. The bride’s family accepts the gift and all the guests, in general. Now we bring the kola nut before You. We bless, we pray that we remain fruitful as this fruit. After the libation, the kola nut is broken and is passed around to everyone else in attendance. 2. Here, it is food, and as such, attended with a deserving feast. Here, it is food, and as such, attended with a deserving feast. . After being vertically cut, you can also cut edge way to reach other members. Kola Nut can be used widely in Igbo land and in Eastern parts of Nigeria at large. -African proverb. Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2021 Oluwaseun Osewa. It is not only highly valued, but is an indispensable product that commands an exceptional respect among all produce in Igbo land. In some part of Igbo land, for particular mention, in Arochukwu, kola nut is first divided into four segments or pieces, no matter the crowd, for specific cultural reasons, among which is the belief that kola nut with four parts carries with it impending blessings long life, prosperity, peace and unity bestowed to all who participate in eating it. The three lobed kola nut alsoTwo Number two in Igbo culture stands for something bad and it could be inferred from the pre-colonial era when twins were born and thrown into the "ajo ofia" (evil forest). Subscribe, Join the conversation Share your thoughts, Enter Email Address Kola Nut Breaking in Igbo culture. For Better or Worse: Marriage Linked to Decreased Heart Attack Risk, Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics Carry Dangerous Side Effects, Marijuana Use Linked to Testicular Cancer, Crucial Vitamin May Be the Key to Curing Hair Loss, ‘I did face ridicule’: How Ja’Dayia Kursh beat the odds to become first Black rodeo queen in Arkansas at 17, Kanye West’s teenage artwork worth up to $20k reportedly bought by art collector, How Kerin John’s online platform is making it easier to find Black-owned businesses in Toronto, 48 yrs ago, Minnie and her mentally disabled sister were sterilized without their knowledge, sparking lawsuit and change. I studied kolanut ritual of yorubaland from in uni for a few days jare, but am still yet to understand the whole thing. i usually wack the ones my mom brought from meetings. There is !’ A Study of the Language of Kola Nut in Traditional Igbo Setting- … Extract from the kola nut can also be used for dying clothes and production of alcohol. There are many health benefits such as a stimulus to increase your heart rate, prevent bacterial infections and … Like yam, king of crops, it commands adoration and enjoys many acolytes . With the kola nut, he prays for life, good health, fruitfulness, protection and for good luck from the gods and his ancestors. For this reason, the Hausas chew the kola nut ordinarily, grown by the Yorubas, while Ndigbo celebrates with the nut. The offering of drinks, food and meat are not regarded so important in Igbo culture as the offering of kola-nuts. But if there is a man with a title in the midst, it is the man who does the kola nut ritual. For instance, at an Igbo wedding reception, the groom’s family presents the kola nut to the bride’s family. It’s known that’s Kola Nut is used during ceremonies, festivals celebration and others. "He who brings kola brings life" (Onye wetara oji wetara ndu), is a popular saying in Igbo land. The way the kola nuts land are interpreted by the diviner as the answer to his or her question. Though the centralised name for Kola nut in Igboland is Oji, some Igbo communities around Port Harcourt calls it Aji while some say Oji. Igbo kola nut (oji igbo) features prominently in all aspects of Igbo life from cradle to grave. can break the kola nut where men are . So shall our enemies and foes break! For instance, in Igbo land, one is not allowed to break kola nut in one’s maternal home. Daybreak In Udi: An Exposé Of British Colonization Schemes In Igboland, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Sy2WhVzJQ&feature=related, http://www.brighthub.com/society/cultures-customs/articles/73416.aspx#ixzz0zHdqizzD, Are You From Urhobo,in Urhobo,or Can Speak Urhobo Please Reply. Moreso, in any Igbo gathering, an Osu or Ohu must never break or bless kola nut among the amadis (free born). Posts about Breaking the Igbo kolanut written by oiroegbu. Kola nut which comes from a plant that grows as a big tree in the tropical forests of West Africa is given as a symbol of hospitality, friendship and respect in some parts of Africa especially in the Igbo Communities (Eastern Nigeria). Oji Igbo is always naturally vertical itself. Analysis of the Language Used in Blessing Kola Nut In some parts of Igbo land, children break kola nuts, while in some it is the business of elderly men. The libation also seeks God’s protection for a successful marriage. Let the Eagle perch, let also the Kite, Enter email address to receive updates from Face2face Africa In some parts of Delta Igbo, e.g Isselu Ukwu and Ubulu Ukwu, women with the traditional title of OMU can participate in breaking of kola nut. All rights reserved. Oke Iroegbu's Diary of Hope & Nostalgia (African Poems, Tales and Proverbs) As a food, kola nut is eaten with relish. Igbo Marriages. A typical Igbo man does not leave his house in the morning without first breaking kola nut. The Kola Nut and It’s Significance in the Igbo Culture In the book Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe the kola nut is a very important part of the Igbo culture. The marriages are based on arrangement than on love. In this case, it is usually cut vertically. Kola-Nut Ceremony ; There is a video at the bottom of this page that contains a kola-nut ceremony. One such custom is the breaking of the kola nut. If you were to attend an Igbo wedding you might find this custom to be long and disengaging, especially if you do not speak Igbo. Does Education Really Make People Act Civilized. Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10). The Igbo People culture that’s revolves in breaking of Kola Nut has termed one of the best around the world at large. Igbo Interpretation of the Kola Nut [2] Kola with one cotyledon is a dumb kola … Breaking of the kola nut is a vital ceremony that is a prerequisite and symbol of a welcoming invitation performed at various Igbo gatherings. These primeval men searched and saw that there was no other tree or nut in comparism to kola nut and its tree. This fruit contains caffeine and is a sweetener is soft drinks such as Coca-Cola. Search. The purpose of this custom is to establish a bond between two people or groups, providing reassurance and to invoke the spirit of God for good intervention. The bride’s family accepts the gift and all the guests, in general. Igbo kola nut (oji Igbo) and gworo (oji awusa) are both used in Igboland. / Daybreak In Udi: An Exposé Of British Colonization Schemes In Igboland / The True Extent Of Alaigbo (Igboland) (2) (3) (4). This great nut is fairly grown in Igboland but, abundantly in Yorubaland. In Igbo land, kola nut is bigger than all of these. But if there is a man with a title in the midst, it is the man who does the kola nut ritual. In most cases, we allow it to fall b4 it will be picked and I have picked it on several occasions. In Isheagu, a Town in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State. Emotional and cultural attachment to kola nut in Igbo land makes it religiously infectious. Gworo Oji awusa like you call it is frowned upon in my dad's village and surrounding villages/communities. Has anyone actually witnessed a full celebration when oji breaks into three? It marks a cordial welcome. Anyone who has attended an Igbo wedding knows that they are rich in “Omenana,” or tradition. Like yam, king of crops, it commands adoration and enjoys many acolytes . When the kola nut is presented to the oldest Igbo man on the groom’s side, he performs a libation, or ritual as an offering to the living and the dead (ancestors) to help intervene and ensure a good outcome to the marriage. Subsequently, the ancient men in Igboland discovered the God's symbol in this nut, which brought about ritual activities. The elders pray with Kola Nut & pass to the Junior to break & serve. But in most other parts of Igbo land, a woman is not even shown a kola nut, not to talk about breaking it.”8 Oguta is said to “share these rituals and gender balanced culture” with other Oru-Igbo towns.9 Nwapa further qualifıes For instance, at an Igbo wedding reception, the groom’s family presents the kola nut to the bride’s family. white ones taste good. Because kola nut signifies communion between the gods and man, any man that committed an abomination in the community is not allowed to break kola nut or even partake in the eating in some communities. Not only do the Igbo say prayers before the breaking of the kola nut, no traditional Igbo would drink or eat without sharing at least, with the ancestors. People can eat the kola nut alone or with a dip, called “ose-oji.” Ose-oji is made of groundnut, pepper, and a little bit of salt. A kola nut ceremony is briefly described in Chinua Achebe's 1958 novel Things Fall Apart. The Kola nut is not as sweet as the Coconut yet people eat it with respect. Please watch either all or part of the video to see what a kola-nut looks like and what their ceremony entails. Kola nut is a symbol of acceptance. Presentation and breaking of kolanut is something which cannot be dispensed with in Igboland. Only the Igbo kola nut is acceptable. The three lobed kola nut also gives some meaningful insight into Igbo psychology by representing the three Igbo kola nut does not have two segments; any kola nut which has two segments is not served in Igbo land, and is considered bad luck. The Yorubas of Nigeria apply the kola nut in a special form of divination in which the diviner asks the spirits a question and throws four pieces of kola nut. Presentation of the Kola Nut: Eze Ugo III of Okporo says that "The kola nut is the 'bread' of Igbo Sacramental communion, and must therefore be specially presented, broken, shared and partaken by all the parties and families in every marriage ceremony as the final consummation and blessing." It is usually the first order of the day when hosts are receiving guests. In Okigwe South constituency i.e Obowu, Isinweke, Nsu, and Ehime Mbano areas, the elder prays over the nut and hands over to the junior who breaks and serves the eldest first befoe others. Face2Face Africa is black owned and operated. Search In some parts of Igbo land, the youngest breaks the kola-nut. Breaking the kola nut is preformed as a welcoming ceremony at a number of different occasions, including marriages, celebrating a birth, welcoming a stranger or friends to your house, e.t.c. Learn How To Speak Pidgin Language / Are You From Urhobo,in Urhobo,or Can Speak Urhobo Please Reply / Does Education Really Make People Act Civilized? Submit, © 2011- 2021 Pana Genius. i like it so much especially when i eat it with alligator pepper. Iwa Orji N'ani Igbo | How to break Kola Nut in Igbo Land Ịgọ ọfọ: Usoro nwaanyị si agọ ọfọ na ala Igbo (how a woman pray in Igbo land). Also Igbo communities around Agbo call it Ogi. Iwa Ọjị ceremony is the Igbo practice of praying over kolanuts, breaking them and sharing them to be eaten by all present as a sign of peace. Whenever a kola-nut appeared in a gathering, the matter to be discussed at that particular time was regarded as very vital. As a food, kola nut is eaten with relish. In Igboland, Kola nut is often served with Garden egg. The kola-nuts are the highest symbol of Igbo hospitality. WOMEN'S ROLE IN THE BREAKING OF KOLANUT Women do not traditionally break kola nut though they can cultivate, break and … 220Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland. All Rights Reserved. Photo Credit: namywedding.com, voicesofafrica.africanews.com, eleganteventdesign.com. The Igbo people believe in polygamy, one man marrying many wives. Also, women are not allowed to bless and break kola nut. However, the breaking of the kola nut is an extremely rich cultural practice that signifies peace, unity, sincerity and respect. Though kola nut is the choicest. and everybody would eat the kola nut. Whether it is in a village in Nigeria or across the Atlantic in the United States, certain Igbo customs are non-negotiable. Restriction Of Movement In Ikorodu Tomorrow Due To Ritual Rites (eluku & Oro). Oji awusa is always two pieces in one. But blessing of kola nut is exclusively done by elders. In the olden days it takes awhile before kola is broken. In Igbo traditional rituals and ceremonies, the gworo is not a valid matter. The visitors now explain the purpose of their visit, while the kola parts are distributed to the people, occasionally coming along with palm wine, garden eggs and peanut butter. Kola nut tree is singularly a wonderful made tree by God. Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Culture / Kola Nut Ritual In Igboland (12523 Views), Restriction Of Movement In Ikorodu Tomorrow Due To Ritual Rites (eluku & Oro). In Igbo land, kola nut is bigger than all of these. The kola nut is a fruit of the kola tree, which is found in the native tropical rainforests of Africa. Igbo people strongly believe that at such an important ceremony, the ancestors are together with the living, protecting and overseeing the activities. The kola nut is used to welcome guests to one’s village or home (“Kola Nut”). That the streams give us fish, the land more yams. One of these sayings on kola nut in Things Fall Apart is: "He who brings kola brings life." Like yam, king of crops, it commands adoration and enjoys many acolytes . Oji (kola nut) a unique aspect of Igbo culture. Submit. It is also done in public events. Andre Uweh: Igbo people usually break kola nut with a knife due to some reasons. . The Ritual and Symbolic Roles . In the process of praying they will say that "He who brought kola brings life". Here, it is food, and as such, attended with a deserving feast. When breaking the kola nut everyone must see it first, then the oldest man blesses it in Igbo language. It can be cut edge way also in other to reach many people. In Igbo land, kola nut is bigger than all of these. Igbo family. In Nigeria however, the Igboman's creator showed him that without this nut, all their ceremonial activities would be fake. The Igbo family revolves around the Igbo male elder; and even though the oji Ikenga has no female member, the three lobes typify the three members of the Igbo family: the father, mother and the children. The eating of kola nuts is referred to at least a further ten times in the novel showing the significance of the kola nut in pre-colonial 1890s Igbo culture in Nigeria.

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