Prekese is a West African name used to refer to the purplish-brown fruit of the Aidan tree. The tree is characterized by small green leaves, long pods that hang from its branch tips, and magnificent flowers that range in colour from a deep orange to a creamy pink. Prekese is renowned for its numerous spiritual uses and nutritional benefit. The spiritual uses of Prekese are intertwined with the cultures, beliefs, and traditions of Twi-speaking communities.
What is Prekese in English? The botanical name of the tree that produces Prekese is Tetrapleura tetraptera, though it is commonly known as the Aidan tree. It is a flowering plant of the pea family and thrives in rainforests. It can also be found in savanna woodlands that receive ample rainfall.
What are the spiritual uses of prekese?
The spiritual uses of Prekese trace back thousands of years ago, with references to the fruit reportedly made in the Bible. Twi-speaking communities state that the fruit was one of the four ingredients Moses was asked to combine in Exodus 30:34. Here is an excerpt of the verse.
The LORD said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part).
While the fruit is not directly mentioned in the translated versions, Twi speakers state that Prekese is one of the four ingredients. The fruit’s mention in holy scriptures has been taken to signify its spiritual importance, which has led to its widespread use in spiritual and religion-related matters, particularly in West Africa.
Here is a look at the most common spiritual benefits of Prekese.
- Driving away evil spirits: According to herbalists and numerous Twi-speaking natives, the fruit can be used to drive away evil spirits. Those who obtain the fruit for this use place about four pieces of the fruit in corners of a room. This is said to ward off evil spirits.
- Removing spiritual burdens: The fruit of the Aidan tree is also said to ease one’s spiritual burdens. These might include generational poverty, curses, and negative pronouncements against one’s life.
- Curing barrenness and epilepsy: In several West African communities, these two problems are believed to have a spiritual origin. Prekese is said to play a significant role in solving the underlying spiritual problem leading to epilepsy and barrenness.
- Preventing bad dreams: The fruit is widely used to prevent nightmares. By keeping off ghosts and other evil forces, the fruit is said to create a peaceful environment for a good night’s sleep.
What are the spiritual uses of Prekese and salt?
Like prekese, salt is said to carry numerous spiritual benefits. This explains its widespread use amongst people of various communities. Various societies have been known to use a mixture of salty water and Prekese to combat a wide range of spiritual problems. Here are some of the common uses of this combo.
- Keeping off ghosts and other negative forces: Salty water infused with crushed Prekese is said to keep off ghosts from one’s homestead or house.
- Counteracting black energy: Black energy is said to be the collection of harmful forces that lead to feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, and worry. The fruit of the Aidan tree is mixed with salty water to get rid of this energy.
- Enhancing optimism: Prekese and salty water are said to enhance a person’s optimism, making them envision a brighter future.
Where is Prekese found?
The Aidan tree, which produces Prekese, can be found in rainforests and savanna woodlands. It is common in African plains in West Africa, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Angola, and Tanzania.
Is the Prekese (Aidan) tree fruit edible?
Yes, the fruit is widely used as a spice, especially in West African countries.
What is Prekese used for?
It is used as an edible fruit, a spice, and in wide-ranging spiritual rituals.
Which plants have spiritual uses?
Numerous plants are deemed sacred in various communities and religions worldwide. The most common are sage and olive.
Which plants are frequently mentioned in the Bible?
The most notable mentions include cedar, coriander, and myrtle.
Which fruits are frequently mentioned in the Bible?
The most frequently mentioned fruits are the date palm, pomegranate, and olives.
How tall does the Aidan tree grow?
The tree’s average height is between 20 and 25 metres.
The spiritual uses of Prekese are quite diverse, ranging from enhancing optimism to warding off evil spirits. This fruit is quite popular in West African countries, where it has been part of religious and culinary traditions for centuries.
As a result, the Easter celebration in Ghana is usually a grand affair, marked with numerous activities.