Africans have a strong interrelationship with the elements, and the place of herbs cannot be over-emphasised. An example is the Nyanyra. Nyanyra is an integral component of Ga- Dangme spiritual practice. The herb is used in rituals of protection for ones spirit and deflecting foul spirits.
Nyanyra is bitter melon or bitter cucumber. Its botanical name is Momordica Charantia. By the time you finish reading this piece, you will know Nyanyra in your language. So enjoy the read.
Just into the beginning of the procession. The group marched to the Korle-Klottey Shrine, where the Nyanyra was blessed and shared. Likewise, the Klala (Klàala).
Nyanyra has both medicinal and spiritual benefits. Medicinally, it has antiviral, antiulcer, antidiarrhoel, antioxidant, and benefits, among others. When used in the right dosages, it is used to cure a multitude of diseases. noted to manage H.I.V AIDS and cure gonorrhea. Its medicinal power is known across Africa.
Spiritually, Nyanyra is used to ward off evil from users. Individuals or from homes. Some people put the Nyanyra leaves in front of their houses or any part of their houses to guard against bad spirits.
In this regard, the Nyanyra leaves are used publicly mainly among the Ga-Adangbe’s, especially by the Wulomei, Chief Priests.
It is also used spiritual cleansing by a special bath.
Individuals are also allowed to use it once they appreciate the significance.
The Nyanyra leaves were used in the Remembrance Day Procession of this year’s Chale Wote and have been used in previous editions. It is a component in all the elements used in asking for the blessings of the ancestors.
Traditional processions are also meditative exercises. When people have Nyanyra leaves in their mouths, no one is supposed to speak to or address them lest they interrupt the stillness of mind.
The white piece of cloth by participants in the procession especially as head bands, around the waist or chest (for women) is a symbol of purity and purification. It is called Klala (Klàala). Pure white cotton that has not gone through any secondary modifications. White is a significant colour amongst many Africans, and Ga-Dangbes are no exception.
Now to the names of Nyanyra, Bitter Melon in other languages:
Ghana: Eʋe- Kakle, Hausa- Daddagu, Twi- Nyanya; Togo: Eʋe-Agnagnran, Mina- Guêssikan, Adja- Adounka; Nigeria: Yoruba- Ejinrin; Benin: Fon/Goun- Nyèsinkèn, Dendi-Atakluma, Yorouba-Edjini; Burkina Faso: Fulfildé: Njalam Fetuhi; Côte d’Ivoire: Guéré- N’guéné Boué, Adioukrou- Sing Biep.
