Ọjị is a very important object and highly regarded aspect of igbo tradition and culture.
It is used to welcome guests, and is a symbol of friendship and good neighbourliness.
Ọjị is is used in prayers especially during large gatherings and celebrations as a symbol of respect and communion between man and his deities.
Ndị ebe anyị sị na : “Ma okwu ga-adị mma, ma ọ ga-adị njọ, a ga-atara ya Ọjị.”
(whether a will have a good or bad outcome it has to accorded a kola nut rite.)
Na “Okenye jide Ọjị, kwachaa akpịrị, ndị mmụọ aghụchaa ntị.
( when an elder holds a kolanut and clears his throat, the gods will lend their ears.)
Ọjị grows on trees and is harvested in pods and eaten in lobes. It is regarded as a medicinal snack that contains caffeine, it has two varieties light blush coloured and fully ripened Fuschia with faint brown lines and ridges. Ọjị splits away easily when twisted at a point, revealing a purplish pink rubbery textured interior. The Kola nut tree on the other hand is also owned but if the nuts fall you are allowed to pick and eat them.
Ọfọ – Anyị Apaa Ọjị : Traditional Prayer.
