By Sunkanmi Adewunmi
Nigeria is rich with traditions and beliefs passed down through generations. Superstitions, in particular, stand out as colourful and mysterious aspects of daily life, shaping how people think and act while offering a glimpse into the nation’s cultural soul.
In this article, we explore some of the strangest and most intriguing superstitions that continue to be part of Nigerian life today.
1. Counting Children
In parts of Nigeria, it is considered taboo to count children particularly those who aren’t your own as it is believed to invite bad luck or misfortune to the lives of the children.
2. Eating Food That Fell on the Ground
Unlike the “five-second rule” that’s commonly followed abroad, in Nigeria, no such grace period exists. Once food hits the ground, it is trashed as it is considered unfit for consumption because “Satan has eaten it.”
3. Hitting one’s Left Leg on a Stone
If you’re about to embark on a journey and as you walk you hit your left leg on a stone, it’s considered a sign that something bad might happen on the trip. In such cases, it is believed that you should immediately turn around and return home to avoid misfortune.
4. Hitting a Man with a Broom
This is believed to cause his manhood to “disappear,” essentially rendering him impotent. To reverse this curse, the man must take the same broom and strike the person who hit him seven times.
5. Pregnant Women Walking Over Urine
Walking over a spot where a man has urinated is thought to cause a pregnant woman to miscarry and as consequence, the man who urinated will suffer from swollen testicles.
6. Pregnant women going out in a sunny afternoon
As a pregnant woman, leaving the house during the afternoon, especially under the blazing sun, is believed to attract evil spirits intent on possessing babies. To protect against these spirits, it’s advised to attach a safety pin to your clothing, as it’s thought to act as a shield.
