Why Palm Oil is Kept Around Newborn Babies
In Igbo spirituality, red oil or palm oil is known as a substance with powerful spiritual properties. It holds deep significance in rituals, healing practices, and protection rites. One of the notable ways it is used is in the care of newborn babies.
When a baby is born, placing red palm oil in the room where the child stays serves two major purposes:
Protection from Negative Energies: Newborns are believed to be highly sensitive to spiritual forces. Their connection to the unseen world is still strong, making them more vulnerable to energies—both positive and negative. Red palm oil is known for its ability to neutralize harmful forces, acting as a shield against malevolent spirits, negative vibrations, and any unseen dangers that could affect the child. Keeping it in the baby’s room is believed to create a protective aura for the child.
A Channel for Spiritual Guidance and Ancestral Support: Beyond protection, palm oil also serves as a medium for enabling spiritual guidance. It is associated with life force and connection to the ancestors. Keeping palm oil around a newborn is a symbolic way of inviting ancestral blessings and ensuring that the child remains connected to their spiritual roots. It is a traditional way of saying to the unseen forces: "Guide and watch over this child as they journey through life."
This practice reflects the deep spiritual understanding that a child is not just born into a physical family but also into a lineage of spirits and ancestors who continue to play a role in their life.
A Simple Yet Powerful Tradition
While this tradition may seem simple, it speaks to the wisdom of our ancestors, who understood the importance of both spiritual and physical protection for a newborn. It is a gentle yet powerful reminder that we are never alone—our ancestors and spiritual forces are always present, guiding and shielding us from harm.
If you’ve ever wondered why palm oil is placed near newborns, now you know—it’s not just tradition, it’s an act of love, and protection.
