 As the foundation of all existence, children's umbilical cords are saved and symbolically buried under a tree to mark the child's first sharing of family owned lands; this tree could either be an oil palm, bread-fruit tree, raffia palm, or plantain tree depending on the cultural region.In some places, such as Nri, the royal python, "éké", is considered a sacred and tame agent of Ala and a harbinger of good fortune when found in a home.The python is referred to as "nne" 'mother' in areas where the python is revered, it is a symbol of female beauty and gentleness.