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Nno! Welcome

Kola nuts

Kola nuts

Kola nuts like those in the picture are an important part of welcoming visitors among the Igbo in Nigeria. The host presents the kola to visitors and the oldest guest is invited to break the kola or cut it into sections so everyone has a piece. I think it’s bitter but I chew it when it would be rude to refuse!

I had to chew it when I visited the Dibia, the Igbo name for the rainmaker or shaman, in my husband’s village. I went with my uncle-in-law to ask for the Dibia’s help in preventing rain during an important ceremony.  Do you think he succeeded? You will find the answer in my memoir Nigeria Revisited My Life and Loves Abroad which you can find on Amazon.com, or just click on the link. 

The kola is a source of caffeine and is used as a flavoring in beverages well-known around the world. I think it’s  the source of the name ‘cola.’ You can read more about kola nuts here.

On other pages you’ll find information about me, the author.

You can read about my adopted country Nigeria. And you can browse a list of the my publications. If you have questions about me or about Nigeria, please ask. Would you like to know how many tribes there are in Nigeria? Or how many people? You can ask in the comment section below.

 

28 Comments

  1. Pingback: Seven Wonders of Igbo Customs # 2 | Catherine Onyemelukwe

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