Nzu in Igbo Culture:
In Igbo cosmology, there are two types of Nzu: Okenzu and Nwunye Nzu (commonly known as Nzu omumu in some parts of Igboland).
In Igbo tradition, Nzu symbolizes purity, peace, happiness, and love. In some Igbo Communities, when a stranger visits a household, they are first presented with white Nzu to smear on their hand or forehead, and the host also applies it. This ritual, known as Ima Nzu, signifies the mutual reception with love, peace, happiness, and purity of heart.
There are three traditional ways of applying Nzu:
1. Ima Nzu
2. Ika Nzu
3. Itu Nzu
Itu Nzu and Ika Nzu are primarily reserved for men based on their social status, while Ima Nzu is traditionally for women. However, women, especially Ndi Ezenwaanyi/Agbaranwaanyi, can also perform Ika Nzu to invoke cognate spirits for action.
Nzu is also used during childbirth, where the newborn is rubbed with Nzu for several months to remove impurities like germs and heat rashes. Visitors to the newborn also apply Nzu, symbolizing the child’s innocence and purity, and indicating the visitor’s goodwill.
