Blessing of the Kola-nut is an important ritualistic tradition in all West African weddings.

The Kola-nut is a bitter nut that is derived from the evergreen Kola tree – which is a member of the Cocoa family.  It’s used for many ceremonial purposes, including weddings, in West and Central Africa.  It’s a caffeine stimulate is is prized among different groups as the “bread” of gatherings in that it’s blessed, broken and shared by everyone.

Often times the most significant male figure in each family will bless the Kola-nut in his own native language.  In our beautiful wedding, the Father of the Bride and Cousin of the Groom (each representing different tribes) blessed the Kola-nut.  We then broke it, and passed it down the two long tables for everyone to partake.  It is a beautiful and meaningful tradition.

Happy planning!

Thanks to Rachel Smith for the lovely picture

Tags: Ethnic Wedding traditions

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