Ụdara (African Star Apple): A Symbol of Procreation among Anambra Igbo People

Resumen

This research centres on the meaning Anambra peolpe of South-Eastern Nigeria attribute to ụdara, the African star apple as a symbol of progeny. In Igbo land, so many fruits abound and ụdara, on which this study centres, is one of them. These fruits are known not only for their nutritional values but also as sacred fruits from sacred trees. However, some of these sacred trees are almost extinct as a result of deforestation. Unfortunately, little or nothing is known about the few that are still in existence based on the change in the value system of Anambra people. For this change therefore, ụdara is being mishandled. This study is to portray some cultural beliefs Anambra people have in African star apple especially as it regards procreation. Again, the study intends to create awareness on the mishandling of ụdara by modern Anambra people and let them know the implications of such mishandling. The theories of symbolic interactionism and social change were used for data analysis. This study is a descriptive research. Data collection was by oral interview posed to randomly selected individuals from selected communities which were done at the interviewees conveniences and at different times. The interviewees’ responses formed the data for this study. They were therefore collected, translated, transcribed and analysed. Among the findings of the study is that African star apple is ‘progeny’, that is, it symbolizes procreation and fertility and originally not meant to be sold in the market. Another finding is that some communities presently sell it in their markets as a result of economic and social change in the modern society while some others still do not sell it. The study also revealed that as a sacred fruit from a sacred tree, it is reverenced as a source of blessing to the people. It is believed that the public, both old and young, students, especially students of culture and anthropology and all culturally minded researchers will benefit from this study as it reveals the views of Igbo communities on ụdara.