Some Strange Traditions Practiced Across Africa

While some rituals can involve something as simple as a silent, individual prayer, others can be extremely painful and violent. Rituals are an important part of the African culture. They signify different aspects of life within the continent such as coming of age. Here are some of the most bizarre  rituals of Africa:

The Maasai is a community in Kenya. Within the community, in order to be acknowledged and respected, a man is required to attain the ‘Moran’ status. In order to achieve this coveted status, the young man must go out into the jungle alone and hunt down a lion all by himself. He is not allowed to use a gun or any other fancy weapon. The only thing he can use is a Spear.

There is a traditional healer in the Zulu communities of Africa. He is known as Sangoma.He makes use of his puff adder(powder made from snake venom😳) in order to predict the future. He would also use the same instrument for healing the locals. The Sangoma places the puff adder near the mouth of the ailing person….hmmmmm

-The Samburu and the Maasai communities are regarded as the most hospitable in Tanzania and Kenya. They would always welcome a visitor. These communities usually treat their guests with roasted meat. However, one may also, at times, be required to drink fresh blood either mixed in milk or oozing from a live animal. Ewwwwhhh.

–Ritual killing is an integral part of the African culture. It is usually carried out under the orders of a king or a leader. The practice is still being followed in many communities of Africa. The target is usually a particular person or tribe. Take the example of Tanzania where Albinos, who are known locally as ‘zeruzeru,’ are apprehended and killed for the purpose of gaining material wealth. The practice of killing  people for wealth is also very conversant her in Nigeria.

-One of the largest ethnic tribes in Uganda is known as Baganda. They have several rituals for which they are very famous. One of these rituals is particularly very dangerous. The community will indulge in rituals and dances in order to mark the entry of a person into adulthood. Young men can have sex with several girls. This is also a reason for the wider spread of AIDS within the region.
Male circumcision is a practice that is being carried out in Africa like several other places in the world. The ceremony is carried out in order to signify the maturity of a boy. The young male is usually circumcised with the help of a knife. No anesthetics are used during the process. The newly circumcised person will also be required to spend time in the forest in order to show the people that he is a courageous person.

–Female genital mutilation top the list of most bizarre rituals of Africa. In some parts of Africa, women are also circumcised. It is a very painful process as compared to the male circumcision. The practice is now banned in many parts of Africa.