In every human culture exists a mark of identification that portrays their homogeneity as an entity. Kolanut also called Oji in Igbo land is regarded as a sacred fruit. It is revered, respected and almost adored. It plays an important unique role in the celebration of Igbo culture and tradition. Indeed, it serves as a harbinger of peace.
It must be clarified that there are two species of Kolanut known to Ndigbo. The one grown in Igbo land bears ‘Oji Igbo’ and the one grown in the Western part of the country. The Kolanut grown in the west is not used to perform any traditional ceremonies in Igbo land.
Ọjị is the first thing served to a guest in an Igbo home. It is also served before an important function begins; be it marriage ceremony, settlement of family disputes or entering into any type of agreement, festival etc.
The presentation of the revered fruit, however, differs in Igbo communities. For some, it is accompanied by money no matter how little. While for others, it is accompanied by white chalk called Nzu.
One very important aspect of the Kolanut rituals is offering prayers to God before consumption. It is mandatory that the oldest man or a traditional ruler/titled man in the gathering says the prayer; otherwise known as breaking of the Kolanut.
It is important to observe that in some areas, like the Owerri area of Imo State; the lot falls on the youngest person present to break the kola nut after the prayer. This is so due to the primal belief that children haven’t soiled their hands with human blood. In other communities, the oldest person or the monarch breaks it after saying the necessary prayers.
It should also be noted that in Igbo land; a woman does not break kola nut and also does not take Kolanut from the plate. It must be handed to her by a male. Women are also forbidden from planting, climbing kola trees or plucking Kolanuts.
Kolanut is respected in Igbo land, so much that in some communities, anyone who steals kola nut is ostracized. Some others believe that if one was not caught while stealing the kola nut; the gods would expose the person and he would confess publicly. Once that is done, his entire family would be banished and his house set ablaze to end his generation.
Kolanut seed is very bitter to taste as it contains caffeine-laden that often prevents one from sleeping when chewed. It is also medicinal.
Kolanut excels more in Igboland for socio-cultural significance compared to its value in another ethnic group in West Africa. The Northerner Nigeria offer Kolanut as a symbol of hospitality, without elaborate ceremonies.
The rites of presentation, blessing, breaking and distribution of Kolanut in Igboland are much more solemn than we recognize. They symbolize a social and ritual bonding between the living, and the departed on the other.
It has also been proven that Kolanut Communion is a generic religious phenomenon. It serves as the base and offshoot of the socio-cultural life of the Igbo people. The Kolanut Communion is much more than a symbol of hospitality; it is a sacred covenant for the adulation of Ndi Ichie (ancestors).
Kolanut serves as a solemn sacrifice to benevolent deities like Ani, the Earth Deity; in supplication that the divine will of Chineke (the Creator) be done on earth.
Any attempt to do away with Kolanut is considered a threat to the traditional belief of the Igbo man.
The lobes formed during the breaking ceremony is portrayed as a message from the gods regarding the present and future. Here is a list of the number of lobes and their spiritual representation:
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