Language is a structured system of communication that can be done through verbal expression or the use of signs and symbols.
Every human culture is characterized to have a uniquely structured form of communication that can be expressed through oral sounds or through the usage of symbols to pass a certain message.
For instance; the sound of the Ikoro is used to pass a certain message that is well understood by the community, secondly, the tying of white clothes on sacred trees like the Iroko, Oha, or Udara are symbolic indications that the tree houses the essence of divine force and should be kept sacred, these are voiceless expressions that pass certain messages.
Within our spirituality, the usage of symbols is encompassing and can be encountered at every given turn.
Beginning from the usage of Nzu, Edo, as items for affirmation “Igo Ofo”, to items we use for rituals and spirit works, each of these items is symbolic, and most time its literal meaning is somewhat not perceived as what it is.
In recent times, the usage of beverages such as; coca-cola “Fanta” for spirit works, such as; Ikpe Ire Oma or Iru Oru Mmiri “Marine Favour Ritual or the acknowledgment of water spirits” has been under scrutiny by those who may not understand the symbolic meaning behind it.
The surrounding question behind this scrutiny evolves on the following;
In the absence of the Fanta what should one use, during the time of our ancestors when this beverage has not been imported what did our ancestors use?
The answer to this questions fall on your understanding of the symbolic meaning of Fanta during this process.
Fanta is a sweet beverage “Ihe Uto”, therefore its usage in these rituals is for the manifestation of “Sweetened Goodwill” into our lives “Ihe Uto Ibata N’Ndu M”.
Secondly, its status as an imported beverage doesn’t have much meaning because the Fanta is heavily consumed by us.
Symbolically, we offer items that we consume to these forces because we regard them to be part of us, and in the absence of the Fanta, fruits which were the original items for spirit works can be used.
We merely recommend the use of Fanta, if you cannot easily access undiluted palm wine that has not touched the ground.
culled from; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073960370522&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Symbolism In Igbo Cosmology- What does the usage of “Fanta” have to do with Odinaani?
