Some East African superstitions and the reasons behind them*

Seven East African superstitions and the reasons behind them

What's Superstition?

Definitions

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines superstition as "religious belief or practice considered to be irrational, unfounded, or based on fear or ignorance; excessively credulous belief in and reverence for the supernatural" and "a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief." Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines superstition as, "the belief that particular events happen in a way that cannot be explained by reason or science; the belief that particular events bring good or bad luck."

 

According to Dale Martin, superstitions may represent long standing popular beliefs and practices which presuppose an erroneous understanding about cause and effect, that have been rejected by modern science. Dale says, in modern times, definition of 'superstition' is dependent on whatever is considered 'science' and hence 'superstition' is the 'other' to 'science' and that modern people accepting certain beliefs even may be aware that those are rejected or marginalized by scientific culture; hence superstitions are often considered as out of place in modern times influenced by modern science and its notions of what is rational or irrational, surviving as remnants of older popular beliefs and practices.

Lysann Damisch (2010) research article defines superstition as "irrational beliefs that an object, action, or circumstance that is not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome."

Seven East African superstitions and the reasons behind them

One of the best ways of understanding a community is learning the culture and beliefs of its people — as well as understanding the reasons behind those beliefs. Most communities around the world are known to have various customs and traditions that guide every member.
Africa as the second-largest and second-most-populous continent in the world has about 54 countries and 1250 to 3000 native tribes and languages spread across the continent. These tribes are known to have their respective cultures and traditions — things they believe in and live by — some of which might be based on myths, and superstition. Here are some East African superstitions and their origins.

*The Security Geese in Kenya*

Kenya, which happens to be the world's 48th largest country and the 29th most populous country — with a population of about 47.6 million(2019) — is known to be a country rich in culture and tradition, and a few of these traditions are said to be based on myths and superstitions. I’m sure you must have heard of security dogs but have you heard of the security geese?

There's a village called Kakamega in Kenya that believes geese to have a sixth sense especially when it comes to identifying witches. Most families in this village are known to have geese in their compounds to help detect whenever witches are within the territory so they can take necessary precautions.

The Itchy Palm

Still in Kenya, an itchy palm means more than you may think. It is believed to be an indication of incoming cash flow. Especially when it’s the right palm that’s itching. When this happens, it is advised not to scratch it, rather, you are to scratch the left palm instead — else you’d scratch the money away. I don’t know how that would work, but most rural regions believe it to be true.

*Seeing an Owl*

Another superstition in Kenya involves owls. Owls are believed to represent bad luck — it is said that coming in contact with an owl could send a person into full panic mode as seeing one could mean an incoming rain of misfortune or death — either of the person who sees the owl or a loved one.

It is advised that when you see an owl, you are to either shoo it off immediately or throw salt into a fire. In doing any of these, you would be reversing the incoming danger.

*Stepping on Eggs in Uganda*

Uganda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa bordered to the east by Kenya and the north by South Sudan, to the West by the Republic of Congo and the Southwest by Rwanda, and to the South by Tanzania. The country is known for its rich and fascinating culture and traditions. One of the superstitions in this country is the one that involves stepping on eggs after an illness

When a person gets discharged from the hospital, on his first return home, he is to first step on an egg before settling in the house. It is believed that doing this after suffering an illness helps get rid of the illness for good, making sure it never reoccurs. Also, newly released prisoners are known to practice this exercise as they believe it ensures they never get arrested again — at least not for the same crime.

*The Mystery of Eating Twin Banana*

Also in Uganda, it is believed that when a woman eats a twin banana, she will give birth to twin babies when she gets pregnant. Not only would she give birth to twins, but the twins are also believed to be immune to witches — so no witch would be able to harm them. All the parents have to do is to ensure that the twins are well-taking care of else the family would be cursed with bad luck.

*Eating in a Dark Room*

Still in Uganda, it’s advised to abstain from eating when the lights are off. It is believed that when a person eats in a dark room, he or she eats with demons and could result in either eating something poisonous or attract bad luck. So you must only eat when the lights are on and if peradventure the lights go out while you’re eating, you are advised to stop immediately.

*Virgins and Fanta Drink in Rwanda*

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries on the African mainland which is located south of the equator and has a population of over 12.6 million. The country which dates as far back as the mid-18th century is known to have a few superstitions worth noting. In some rural parts of the country, virgins are said to be prohibited from drinking any other Fanta flavors besides Fanta Orange. This is because the Fanta Orange is believed to be the most chaste of all Fanta flavors and it’s only proper for “chaste” girls to drink the chaste flavor. If an unmarried girl is caught drinking any other flavors, it is immediately assumed she isn’t a virgin and would receive several judgmental expressions from people around.

In as much as superstitions may seem strange and sometimes ridiculous to foreigners, the cultures with these beliefs hold them dearly, and interestingly enough, in most cases, these superstitions actually turn out to be real — at least to the believers.

This is why it is important to respect different cultures, traditions (as long as it doesn't involve hurting others), and even their myths and superstitions because these mutual beliefs are what makes a people a community.