My Culture - Igbo

Let me start with our greeting:  NNOO which means Welcome.

The Igbo language is one of the major language in Nigeria. They are socially and  culturally diverse. they are located at the southern eastern part of Nigeria. Igbo are known for there customs, traditions and language.

The kola nut is an important customs aspect of the igbo culture with its igbo name as oji because it is part of the gift you present at tradition ceremony and a visit to an igbo man house cause no tradition is complete without the blessing of the kola nut. The kola nut are eaten raw and prayed over and its a taboo for a women to pray over a kola nut. The igbo culture believed that the only language kola nut understand is  the igbo language that is why in most igbo gathering kola nut are being prayed over in igbo, also when a person eats a kola nut that is prayed over,  the person future is secured. The kola nuts in igbo have different meaning:

• Kola nut with one or two lobes - is an abomination and should be eat by the native doctor.
• Kola nut with three lobes - represent the three cooking stands in a traditional igbo kitchen.
• Kola nut with four lobes - represents the igbo traditional market which is either Eke, Oye, Afor, and Nkor market.
• Kola nut with five lobes - represent fruitfulness and goodness.
• Kola nut with seven lobes -  means celebration and entertainment.

kola nut should be present with two hands when offering it and ladies are not allowed to present kola nut in occasions.

Igbo marriage are held in great tradition which is known as " Inu Nwunye". Before the marriage commence  bride price should be discussed, which is a specific marriage requirement and list of things will be given to the groom family to provide certain item for the bride family such as goats, wine, kola nut, and money. the traditional attire for igbo traditional marriage for men is a cotton wrap, shirt and sandal and for a the women wear wrap, blouse and a head gear which must be wore for all occasions and the women wear double wrap to symbolize that there are married.

will continue next time see you