Hello Hivers with hope everyone is doing ok..
I just got off the phone about an hour ago with my friend in United States of America in North Carolina to be precise.
While we here on the phone she had a glass of wine if front of her.
She took her time to tell me the origin of the wine how it was imported from Spain and how good it is to the heart. And it's health benefits etc.
I felt intimidated and I taught of what to say..
Immediately I remembered Tombo( palm wine)
I asked her if she knew what Tombo was or if she has had a teast of this natural drink that has been passed from generation to generations in south east nigeria?
She said, she has never heared of such words..
I smiled because I have gotten my traditional drink into a foreigners ears.
With a smile on my face I told her it is gotten from Palm tree.
She was eagar to hear more and she said she has never seen a palm tree simply because it's not found in North Carolina.
But it's found in my small village asa amator in umugbede in osisioma ngwa local government of abia state.
I told her it's 100% natural and it's good for the eyes with no hangover after the next morning.
Palm wine is a traditional drink used in traditional marriages in South east nigeria.
It is used by the bride to located her husband, and after she finds him, in the crowed she kneels and offer it to the groom as a sign of acceptance and a sign the groom is the choosen one.
Traditionally no marriage can occur without this drink in south east nigeria. Because it's almost impossible to have a traditional marriage without a palm wine drink.
Dear Hivers outside West Africa, if you have not teasted this drink..you are seriously missing I encourage you to visit south east Nigeria to have a teast..
Back to my story...
After my long talk with my friend abroad. She will be visiting Africa in December just to have a drink of this natural and healthy drink that has been existing for over three hundred years before I was born and which my forefathers enjoyed and used in all big events.
A man that climbs a palm tree to get this sweet natural drink is called a palm wine tapper.
I know of a man that has been in this business for over 35years and has trained his 5children in the University and has three graduate already.
I think my generation is not paying attention to this drink and I have a strong feeling this traditional drink won't be available after our fathers leaves and dies off..
Dear Hivers in africa, tell me your expirence on this wonderful drink and if you still have palm wine tappers in your community.
What is Palm wine called in your traditional language.
Is it still a must in traditional marriages in your communities?
Thanks for reading...