African Traditional Religion was the indigenous religion of the people before the advent of Christianity. Igbo people believed in the existence of a Supreme Being ‘Chukwu’ (Almighty God) or ‘Chineke’ (God the Creator). There is also the belief that one is guided by his personal god ‘Chi’ who determines the fate of man.
There is the belief in ancestors; the forebears of the community who are long dead but are believed to watch over their respective kindreds and families from the land of the spirit. Apart from the Supreme Being ‘Chukwu’ Ndigbo also believe that fellow human can be messengers and intermediaries between the far removed ‘Chukwu’ and man. This is expressed in the saying madu bu chi ibeya.
Ndigbo are very hospitable and have traditional way of receiving visitors. On arrival of a visitor to an Igbo home, the visitor is usually offered a seat like any other tribe. The peculiar traditional reception of a visitor in Igbo land starts with:
Presentation of water and washing of hand (Mmiri Ikwo Aka): This traditional process of receiving visitors among the Igbo people was observed beginning with the washing of hands. Water is usually passed around in a jug and all guests are expected to wash their hands in a basin. It is believed that a visitor who has traveled a long distance must have come in contact with several evil spirits along the way. This wash is meant to cleanse off these contacts in preparation for touching the sacred kola nuts.
Presentation of the white clay (Nzu Ocha): This is the next stage that following the washing of hand. The white clay symbolizes purity of the guest and acceptance of the welcome given to him by the host. The process involves the drawing of lines on the floor with white clay. All adult males are given a piece of white clay, rolled towards them on the floor with which they are expected to draw several lines on the floor. The reason for rolling the white clay on the floor is to give the visitor a choice to either accept or reject it. Acceptance means that the visitor has come in peace while rejection signifies displeasure. Drawing of lines is done according to the position a person holds in society / community. Titled men known as “Nze” or “Ozo” usually draw eight lines to signify the eight great market days while ordinary men known as ‘Okoro’ draw four, for the lesser four market days of the Igbo namely, ‘Nkwo’, ‘Eke’, ‘Orie’ and ‘Afo’.
Presentation of Kolanuts (Oji): Kolanut is a symbolic crop in Igboland. It symbolizes hospitality and peace to its visitors. After the general introductions, the host presents the traditional kolanut to any his kin present before it is presented to a guest or guests. This presentation follows a format that is based on seniority and kinship which is strictly adhered to. Misdirection of the path of presentation of the kolanut is frowned at. it is a mark of its cultural identity.
Breaking of Kolanuts: This is the next and most significant aspect of receiving visitors in Igbo land. A wooden dish full of Igbo kolanuts (Oji Igbo) is brought by the wife of the host and presented to her husband as custom demands. The host then presents the dish to the leader of his visitors’ team. The kolanut travels thereafter, from one person to the other, among the males only. Each person thanks the presenter of the Kolanuts, a sign of goodwill, makes a speech and passes it on to the person nearest to him in terms of kinship / origin. The kolanuts, on completion of this long journey, is returned to the host for prayers and blessings. While the host prays, he calls on God to bless all present, multiply them and make their lives fruitful. If the function is being conducted in a palace, the Igwe’s (traditional ruler’s) trumpeter (Oti Mkpu) continuously blows his trumpet made of elephant tusk to signify the Igwe’s glory and majesty. The kolanuts are then broken and passed around for all to take a piece and eat.
Presentation and drinking of palm wine (Nkwu Ocha, Ngwo): This signifies that the visitor has been well received and has the goodwill of the host. A community leader is called upon to bless and pour out the wine into drinking cups. The first cup is given to the eldest who blesses the gathering in traditional a praying rite after which he pours it out. This is followed by general serving of wine to all present.
Presentation of Food: This is the last stage and depends on the occasion and the ability of the host. You can’t beat the taste of any delicious Igbo foods. Ofe na akpu, Ukwa, Ji mmiri Oku, Isi-awu, Ofe Owerri, Ogede etc. Igbo foods is a subject for another day
