Trees are mystical connections to our indigenous spirituality in Igbo society. They play crucial roles in Igbo mythology till today. In Igbo ancient traditions, the tree is a symbol of life and sacredness, it stands for the totality of a universe and houses spiritual entities. Did you remember the story about an uncle that cut down Ngwụ tree and the calamitous consequences that followed?
Ancient Igbos, advocated for tree planting. When a child is born, a tree is planted, wherever new communities were established, our Igbo farmers planted them a lot to provide shelter, food, medicine and for erosion control.
In Ọdịnanị Igbo Spirituality, trees are considered to be sacred like Orji, Ngwụ, Anunuebe, Oha, Ogilishi, Akpu, Uglili, Ebenebe, Ojukwu, Nneochie etc. Do not go hugging sacred and spiritual trees tied with white or yellow clothes for fear of violating sacred places or groves.
For example the Ọfọ tree is known as “Tree of Equity, justice, protection” because it represents harmony, balance in nature, rebirth and a connector of earthly and spiritual realms. Trees symbolizes strength, individuality, protection, calmness, growth and prosperity. Trees are filled with life, power, protection and spiritual ability to dispel whatever you are going through while they re-energize your body by removing negative energies because many of them are spirits.
However, let us talk about the fact, that all awakened people of Ndi Gbo possess one or more of these trees. Amazingly, this is a fact, all these trees come by themselves without being planted by humans. The mighty Ọfọ is the tree of justice. The tree that holds all together. The tree in reality is life. Above all other trees, Ọfọ is the power behind all in full balanced spirituality of Odinani. The bearer should not commit any evil. The keepers or owners of ọfọ tree, must strive to avoid defilement. Either way commit any form of sin or evil (nkịtị). Ọfọ could be said to be rare among all other trees of powers. Many people do not possess Ọfọ tree in this spiritual journey. In Afa langage, It is known as Aka otụlee, Ọfọ ndị Igbo ji dị ebube!
Moreover there are trees like Ora /Ọha, Ebenebe , Ogilishi, Udara , Ugili , Akuyebilisi , Ugbodoaga , Inyi , Ògbú , Ewfulu , Akpalata , Nneochie , Anụnụebe and more. They come by themselves too. But could also be planted by humans.
In conclusion, take care of your own spiritual trees. Every Divine carrier of powers are planted by Ani of their people and cannot be taken down by anyone, same is applicable to your spiritual trees. None of the trees mentioned above, should be cut down without due consultation with the powers that be. The same goes for the bearers.
It’s very important to know your own tree (s), for the chosen ones will need them along this mighty spiritual journey. We appease them as well. They do works of goodness in Odinani for us. They are members of our Arobunagu, so we appease them. We include them in our daily libations of igo oji/mmụọ. They should not be cut down, that is why we tie white clothes on them to cover their nakedness.
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DIBIA NWANGWU UCHENDU 