| Abstract Detail
Recent Topics Posters Obiageli Nwosu , Prof. Maria [1]. Plants used in traditional religious ceremonies by the Igbos of southeastern Nigeria. The diversity and utilization of tropical plants in the traditional religious ceremonies by the igbos of South-East Nigeria was studied and documented. Information was obtained through oral interviews conducted with the aid of semi-structured questionaires during field trips carried out from February 2012 to may 2013. In Igbo culture, plants possess magical and or mysterious powers, which are believed to have been endowed by their Chi (God). Thus, traditional religion is intertwined with the culture and lives of these indigenes. Therefore, the health and progress of every individual is pre-destined by his or her Chi (God). Plants such as Newbouldia laevis (Apocynaceae), Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae), Elaeis guineense (Arecaceae), Baphia nitida (Fabaceae), Cola acuminata, Oji Igbo, Cola gigantea (Ebenebe)(Sterculiaceae), Ficus capiensis, Ogbu, (Moraceae) feature prominently in the Igbo religious ceremonies. A total of 33 plant genere belonging to 28 families were recorded. In Igbo mythology, religious ceremonies are highly upheld and accompanied with taboos. They are chaperoned predominantly by the male folks who act as the ritualists or religious leadwers or jujumen. Their capabilities and powers are still shrouded in mystery and are protected by the deities who are regarded as mmuo (spirits). perhaps, the most indispensable plant in Igbo culture is the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineense). This tree is sacred because every part of it possesses some magical power. It is found in every homestead garden or near Farm.
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1 - universityofnigeria, plantscienceandbiotechnology, nsukka, enugu, 410001, nigeria
Keywords:
Plants, Igbo Culture, Southeast Nigeria
Religious Ceremonies
Igbo Culture.
Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: /
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT007
Abstract ID:1244
Candidate for Awards:None |
