Iwa Ọjị ceremony is the Igbo practice of praying over kolanuts, breaking them and sharing them to be eaten by all present as a sign of peace. It is usually done when hosts are receiving guests. It is also done in public events.

It can be compared to the British tradition of having tea with guests or the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

hosts are receiving guests. It is also done in public events.

It can be compared to the British tradition of having tea with guests or the Japanese Tea Ceremony.


The specific brand of kola nut which is used for Iwa Ọjị, like all kola nuts are bitter in taste. But they are so relished by the Igbos that they can be seen chewing it with gusto during Iwa Ọjị ceremonies.

So important is the kola nut breaking ceremony in Igbo social and cultural affairs that a lot of conservative Igbos would feel unwelcome in your house if it is not performed when they come visiting.

The kola nut as a metaphor
Even among the more liberal Igbos who don’t keep kola at home to welcome guests, the kola nut itself (Ọjị) has become a metaphor for any drink or refreshment used to welcome guests. The host would ask, “Kedu oji m ga ewetalu gi”, meaning, “What kola (refreshment) can I bring for you?”

How Iwa Ọjị Is Performed
During the Iwa Ọjị ceremony, the oldest male present holds a piece of kola but and says a prayer for the wellbeing of everyone present, to which others answer ‘iiseeh’ (the Igbo version of the word ‘amen’). This prayer is called ịgọ ọfọ.

It usually starts with the prayer, “Onye wetalu Ọjị a wetalu ndu”, meaning, ” He who brought these kola nuts has brought life”. People then respond with the word ịseh.



Another popular prayer made in ịgọ ọfọ oji is, “Egbe bere, ugo bere. Nke si ibe ya ebena, nku kufuo ya”, meaning, “Let the eagle perch, let the kite perch. The one that says let the other not perch, let its wings break. ” This is a nod to the Igbo belief of ‘live and let live’.

After the prayers are said, the kola nut is split into parts and distributed among those gathered. A kola nut that breaks into seven equal parts is considered a very very good omen. Like when you see a shooting star.

The Igbos have many interesting traditions which are fun to witness or take part in.

Source: http://www.igbodefender.com/2019/02/10/kola-breaking-ceremony-iwa-oji-of-the-igbos/#more-1360

Lalasticlala they use kola but not snake pepper soup to do Iwa Ọjị

The kola nut represents life....... Though this seems to be fading away as anyara(Garden egg) is been substituted for kola nut in mist cases now... Don't know why

Igbo amaka. I am proud I am an Igbo

Oxb90:
Igbo amaka. I am proud I am an Igbo

You can say that again. Igbo culture is the driving force under God of Igbo success.

vikkimimi:
The kola nut represents life....... Though this seems to be fading away as anyara(Garden egg) is been substituted for kola nut in mist cases now... Don't know why

Good observation. Not only that, groundnut is also competing with Ọse Ọjị when Anyara is used. In a recent Ohaneze gathering we used anyara and groundnuts instead anyara and Ọse Ọjị!

Omenala igbo ga_adi,
Igbo nwe m, e kene m'unu.

Onye wetara oji wetara ndu o --- Isee!!!!! meaning He who brings kolanut brings life!

Iri oji.Nobody does it better.Ndi banyi kwenu! Igbo amaka!

Oji bu ihe oma

Tell them also what it means too to find that the kola has two, three, four or five lobes after breaking it.

Nice

It's a gesture that promotes brotherhood and togetherness

Mtchew, all tribes do it

Binikingdowm:
Mtchew, all tribes do it

Yes,
But perhaps not as pronounced as the Igbos.

m

Everything about that tribe is trash abeg, anything that is synonymous to senselessness I don't take serious.

Racoon:
Iri oji.Nobody does it better.Ndi banyi kwenu! Igbo amaka!

Ya gaziere gi nwanne

There is nothing as heartwarming as hearing a good orator do the 'igo ofo'
After which he is saluted by his chieftaincy name. At times it looks like the Orator is negotiating a point diplomatically with God.

Iwa oji and Igo ofo are very elaborate ceremonies.

Sometimes, elders drag the responsibility among themselves..

Okonkwo: I ask you to break this kola.
Mazi Okeke: No, please. We do not bypass a man and enter his compound. Please break the kola.
Nna Anyi: Okonkwo please break the kola. Oji eze di eze n'aka.

They will drag on like this until Okonkwo agrees to break the kola.