Ritual de bienveindos en Urhobo. Enviado por un hermano en a nacion Urhobo. THE RITES OF BREAKING KOLANUT IN URHOBO CULTURE:The kolanut means so many things in different cultures,its method of presentation varies between these cultures and traditions.I shall only concentrate on the Urhobo method of presentation and acceptance.My aim writing this post is because this very important aspect of our culture seem to be loosing its value amongst young Urhobo sons and daughters,worst still,most do not know how to present kolanut according to our tradition especially in the urhobo language.The kolanut is said not to understand or speak english,therefore,its presentation,acceptance and breaking formalities are done in our dialect,whether there are strangers or not.Whenever there are visitors,the urhobo man would get kolanuts,alligator pepper,and bitter kola in a beautiful flat plate and wedge it with money specifically for he who is going to break it,then the host would add any other amount of money supported by other members of his household and those present at the time of presentation.The presenter will begin by saluting everyone present thus,Urhobo wadoo! Then proceed to mention the other ethnic groups around,thereafter begin to ask each person his title or nickname,after the presenter who is usually called OTOTA would on behalf of the host mention the items on the table and the amount for the breaking of kolanut,after which he would call on those around to support,reason because we the urhobos believe that if only one man passes through a road,his footprints could easily be identified and taken,but if many not possible,it has a lot of other meanings but i just want to stick to this for now.After the support,the otota must finally add his own as sign of his inclusion and agreement to the event.He then presents the entire kolanuts and drinks on the table to the guest(s) pleading them to accept not because of quantity but in the spirit of the joy of their visit.Responding,somebody who accompanied the guest(s) would then go through the salutation formalities and titles/nickname calling,thereafter,accept the kolanut on behalf of the guest.Remember,the otota does not pray,his duty is only to accept and then sits down.The oldest person in the group takes the money for breaking and prays for the host with the kolanut,he then breaks it and prays for the host again using a part,he again picks another part and for the women,otota and some others depending on those present and finally himself.If a titled man is present,he is usually given the right to break as well.After the prayers both with kolanuts and drinks,all settle down to enjoy and gist,thereafter the otota of the guest would then stand up and extend thanks and appreciation from the guest to the host,the hosting otota then accepts on behalf of the host then extend it to heaven to bring good tidings to all. The Urhobo culture is unique indeed,let us know it and practice it always.No other ethnic nationality does this in the whole world. URHOBO WADOOOOOOOO!
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 01:08:35 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015