“He who brings Kola brings life.” What does this proverb mean in chapter one of Things Fall Apart?

One day a neighbour called Okoye came to see Unoka. Unoka immediately rose and shook hands with Okoye his neighbour. Unoka immediately went into an inner room and soon returned with a small wooden disc containing a Kola nut. “I have Kola”, he announced when he sat down, and passed the disc over to his neighbour. According to Igbo tradition and culture, the Kola nut is a symbol of friendship and hospitality. “Thank you. He who brings Kola, brings life. But I think you ought to break it” replied Okoye, passing back the disc.

“No, it is for you, I think”, and they argued like this for few moments before Unoka accepted the Kola. As he broke the Kola, Unoka prayed to their ancestors for life and health, and for protection against their enemies. There is a great deal of tradition surrounding the Kola nut. It seems to be a key aspect of being a welcoming host. The Kola nut tradition is yet another way of communicating respect in Igbo society.