WHAT IT MEANS WHEN YOU USE THE LEFT HAND TO GIVE OR COLLECT SOMETHING IN IBO LAND (AND ITS PENALTY)

                                  
What It Means When You Use the Left Hand to Give or Collect Something in Ibo Land (And Its Penalty)

In the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, every action, gesture, and word carries a meaning that reflects the community’s moral values and social order. One such act that holds significant weight is using the left hand to give or collect something from someone, especially from elders or people of higher status.

To an outsider, it may seem like a small or meaningless gesture. But in Igbo land, it is much more than that — it’s seen as a sign of disrespect, bad upbringing, and moral failure. The left hand, in traditional belief, symbolizes impurity and disrespect, and using it in social interaction often calls for an apology or even a cleansing ritual.

Let’s explore the deep meaning, origin, cultural implications, and penalties attached to this traditional taboo.

1. Understanding the Symbolism of the Left Hand in Igbo Culture

In Igbo culture, the right hand (aka "aka nri") represents honor, power, purity, and blessing, while the left hand ("aka ekpe") is associated with impurity, weakness, and bad omen.

This symbolic difference is deeply rooted in ancient Igbo cosmology, where duality exists in all things — good and bad, clean and unclean, light and darkness. The right hand was always seen as the hand of action, blessing, and authority, while the left was believed to be the hand used for unclean or private activities, such as personal hygiene or chores considered inappropriate for sacred occasions.

Thus, when a person uses the left hand to hand something to another, it’s as if they are symbolically transferring impurity or disrespect to the receiver.

2. Giving or Collecting with the Left Hand: What It Signifies

When you use your left hand to give or collect something from someone in Igbo land, it can mean one or more of the following:

1. Disrespect to Elders – Giving an elder anything with your left hand is seen as a direct insult. It implies you have no regard for their status, wisdom, or seniority.

2. Pride or Carelessness – Among peers, it can suggest arrogance, laziness, or lack of home training (what the Igbo call “anaghị egbu onye amụma” – one who ignores traditional warning).

3. Spiritual Pollution – Some elders believe the left hand carries negative spiritual energy. Giving or receiving with it could symbolically “pollute” the relationship between giver and receiver.

4. Rebellion Against Tradition – In a community that values respect and culture, using the left hand can be interpreted as a subtle rejection of tradition — a way of saying “I don’t care about your customs.”

3. The Traditional and Social Penalty for Using the Left Hand

While modern life has relaxed many customs, in traditional Igbo communities, using the left hand carelessly still carries consequences — both social and spiritual.

a) Verbal Correction and Public Rebuke

If a child or younger person gives something to an elder with the left hand, they are immediately corrected — sometimes loudly. Elders often say phrases like:

• “I meecha, were aka nri nye m!” (Next time, use your right hand!)

• “I kwu nwa n’aka ekpe?” (Do you talk to your elders with your left hand?)

This correction is meant to teach respect and manners.

b) Demand for Apology

In many Igbo households, especially rural ones, the offender is expected to apologize immediately, often by saying “E biala m” (I’m sorry) or “Biko, e meela” while switching to the right hand. Failure to apologize can lead to anger or even social shame.

c) Cultural or Spiritual Cleansing

In very traditional settings, especially during sacred ceremonies, using the left hand to present an offering, money, or kola nut (oji) to an elder or deity is a serious abomination (aru).
The person may be required to:

• Provide a cock or hen for cleansing.

• Offer kola nut and palm wine to appease the gods or elders.

• Seek forgiveness through a traditional elder or priest.

This ritual is not because the person is evil, but to restore balance and purity that the wrong hand symbolically disrupted.

d) Social Embarrassment and Labeling

Among traditional Igbos, being known as someone who uses the left hand frequently can earn you nicknames like:

• “onye aka ekpe” (the left-handed one)

• “onye na-enye aka ekpe” (one who gives with the left hand)

Though some are naturally left-handed, the community expects them to train themselves to use their right hand when showing respect — especially in public interactions.

4. The Belief Behind the Penalty

To understand why the penalty exists, one must understand Igbo moral philosophy.

The Igbo believe that every action carries spiritual energy. Respect strengthens the community, while disrespect invites shame and disharmony. The act of using the left hand is not punished because of the hand itself — but because of what it represents: disregard for purity and tradition.

The right hand is often used:

• To break kola nut (ịgọ oji)

• To shake hands

• To pour libation

• To accept blessings or gifts

These sacred acts connect people spiritually. Using the left hand for such acts disrupts that spiritual harmony — hence, it requires correction.

5. Exceptions to the Rule: When It’s Not Offensive

There are, however, certain exceptions to this taboo:

1. When the Right Hand is Occupied or Injured:
   If your right hand is busy, dirty, or injured, people understand if you use the left — provided you explain politely before doing so.

2. Among Children or Strangers Unaware of the Custom:
   Visitors, non-Igbos, or children are often excused. Elders may even use the opportunity to educate them about Igbo values.

3. In Modern Urban Settings:
   In cities where traditional norms are less strict, most people no longer take offense — though in family homes or village settings, it still matters greatly.

6. The Modern View: Respect Beyond Hands

Today’s younger generation of Igbos are gradually blending tradition with modern understanding. Many realize that respect is not just about which hand you use, but about your tone, attitude, and humility when interacting with others.

However, traditionalists insist that using the right hand remains a vital sign of respect. They argue that abandoning such customs would erode the moral values that hold the Igbo community together.

As one Igbo elder once said:

“Ọ bụ aka nri ka e ji ewere ekele mmadụ.”
(“It is the right hand that is used to show respect to a person.”)

Thus, while modern times allow flexibility, the deeper meaning of the act still survives — a reminder of the Igbo people's love for order, respect, and moral discipline.

Closing words: The Hand of Culture and the Heart of Respect

Using your left hand to give or collect something in Igbo land is not just a physical act — it’s a message. It speaks to how you were raised, how you value others, and how much you honor your culture.

To the Igbo, every act of respect is sacred. The right hand symbolizes not just cleanliness, but also dignity, humility, and spiritual balance.

So next time you visit an elder, attend a traditional event, or even hand something to an Igbo person, remember to use your right hand. It’s more than a habit — it’s a gesture of belonging, respect, and understanding of one of Africa’s richest cultural values.

And if you ever forget? Simply smile, apologize, and say —

“Biko, e meela. Ọ bụ aka ekpe.”
(“Please, I’m sorry. It was my left hand.”)

Your humility will not only erase the offense but also win you the respect of everyone around.

Thanks for reading my blog;

Share your little understanding about this to me in the comment section, and let me know if this is also prohibited in your own area. 

📢 Advertise With Nwasir Aguwa Media Empire!