The lady has provided us with a few examples of taboos related to good manners and sexuality. In Thailand and in Arab countries never point your shoe/foot to another person. Here are some of the most bizarre taboo rituals of Africa. Wife inheritance is one of the most bizarre taboo rituals of Africa that is still practiced in many communities. Uganda's Food Taboos of the 1960s . During pregnancy, salt must be avoided as well as hot food which was believed that it might burn the child. Examples:-Women in Papua New Guinea are not allowed to eat fresh meat, juicy bananas, or any red-colored food in the middle of their menstrual cycle. Taboo (also tabu) could be seen as a social or religious custom placing prohibition or restriction on a particular thing or person. No anesthetics are used during the process. It’s a man’s world, you know? TABOO’S IN GHANA (AFRICA)Taboo’s among traditional ethnic groups in African countries, is one of the greatest or leading hindrance to African prosperities and development.This high superstitious believes which is growing in Africa especially, among the traditional ethnic groups in West Africa. You cannot call a genital by its actual name. It can also create serious problems for the unborn child towards inheritance, especially if it turns out to be a boy, because inheritance-wise, there is no way he can become a family member “just like that” since he is NOT a son of the soil. The Latest! 3. In a traditional and culturally minded society like Africa’s, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to find out that there are many African taboos which are put in place to control and guide the different individuals in that very community so as to achieve harmony and oneness. They would always welcome a visitor. Women don’t masturbate; For most part of my life, I grew up believing this. The Latest! In Thailand and in Arab countries never point your shoe/foot to another person. There are many people related sexual taboos in Africa. What about the men, you may ask? In other words, it is a woman’s crime and that means to stop adultery, you must first stop the woman. The offender of African taboos fady becomes taboo to the environment, family and the community. These animals are highly revered while some other people believe such animals are their ancestors. Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos – A Series of Cultural Tips for Countries from A to Z: South Africa. 4. Human taboos are the most extreme expression of dietary tradition, and some food taboos may be linked to genetic constraints. In fact, you shouldn’t do anything with your left hand. boo [tuh-boo, ta-] adjective "proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable" Synonyms: prohibited,banned, forbidden, proscribed. Disrespect for age in NOT accepted. nose blowing in public - Blowing one’s nose or even sneezing in public is considered taboo in several countries , … People will desist from such behaviours because of the sanctions and … Adultery is seriously frowned at in Igbo land and anybody who is caught in the act is in real serious trouble. It is believed that the witches have night meetings in the forests and seas. Bugosa ... As in several parts of East Africa eggs, chicken were proscribed among the Baganda women, as were pork, mutton and several species of fish. Old Etiquette Rules We Need to Bring Back. The article ‘Cultural Clues, Do’s and Taboos for South Africa’ is a brief snapshot of conversation guidelines for South Africa, tips for communicating in South Africa, and strategies for doing business with South Africa to help with understanding the culture in South … Please can we know some taboos concerning disability? Children who are left handed are forced to “correct” the anomaly. Taboos or fady in Africa can be translated as a prohibition, referring to what one is not allowed to do, objects that one must not come into contact, words which must not be uttered and places which must be avoided. Food and drink taboo is a restriction on consumption of various kinds of food and drink. Such is the belief in this practice that a father can easily put a stop to any impending marriage of he is not comfortable with the man who is asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage. In Africa, wives praise their husbands using the name of their Totem, for example, a wife may call her husband ‘the great lion of the forest’ that is, if the husband’s totem is a lion. An osu is someone who is considered an outcast simply because s/he is said to be owned by the gods. There is also a local community close to where I live where it is believed that any woman who goes against the laws of the land and commits adultery will run mad instantly. Hope you do more along similar lines. Similarly you are not at liberty to address your elders by their personal names as doing that is just a very clear way of identifying someone who lacks proper home training. The word taboo comes from "tabu"—Fijian—or "tapu"—Tongan—meaning forbidden or prohibited. Brazilians like to use beautiful small cups for the whole set in the dish, for drinking tea and coffee. The taboos associated with French dining have more to do with manners than with cultural beliefs. One of these rituals is particularly very dangerous. When they see guests drinking in an interesting and happy way, they feel happy. Teenage pregnancy can also cause a lot of hamper for the girl/s involved as regards to her chances of getting married later in life simply because most men will not be so keen to start taking of care of another child whose father is unknown to him. Young men can have sex with several girls. The brother of a person who has died recently can inherit his dead brother’s wife. 3. More than 1000 Travel Agents Across The World Local travel websites, travel tips, travel agents and scenic spots in each city and country. These included; marrying or having sex with a relative, same-sex marriage, having sex with parents, having sex with an animal, having sex with underage children, young men having sex with elderly women, having sex with other people’s wives, sex before marriage. I have even heard people say that it one easy way of attracting all forms to evil such as epilepsy, blindness, poverty, lack of progress or success in life, and in extreme cases, even death into the life of the man who engages himself in such sister-play. It represents superiority, authority, respect, power and most importantly wisdom. Pages. Then they agree on how to hurt people. In our Igbo society, age is not just a number, it actually means something more. Ritual killing is an integral part of the African culture. This myth is created and sustained on the premise that women don’t have desires independent of a man. Emmyboy (author) from Nigeria on October 07, 2011: I am glad you enjoyed it. The article ‘Cultural Clues, Do’s and Taboos for South Africa’ is a brief snapshot of conversation guidelines for South Africa, tips for communicating in South Africa, and strategies for doing business with South Africa to help with understanding the culture in South Africa. However, one may also, at times, be required to drink fresh blood either mixed in milk or oozing from a live animal. Taboos were defined as ‘doing a bad thing’. Taboos are technically defined as a practice “proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable.” But what makes something taboo isn’t as concrete. What are some types of taboos?? The target is usually a particular person or tribe. 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. He is not allowed to use a gun or any other fancy weapon. Sometimes these African taboos could be quite ridiculous as you will soon see. It is generally believed that in marriages whereby there was none of such blessings, marital problem such as barrenness, infidelity, divorce and sometimes, even early death are always bound to occur! It is also in stark contrast to the fundamental human rights. You shouldn’t eat with your left hand. What are some types of taboos?? For example, the Ndlovu (elephant) clan should not eat meat from the elephant; the same is true for the Dubes who are not supposed to eat zebra meat. To me, I believe this taboo is nothing but a preemptive measure put in place to avoid the odd situation of causing uncontrollable jealousy, disaffection and bad blood amongst blood sisters, a problem which can easily get out of hand and set the whole house on fire because it can never be easily managed. The shoe/foot is the unclean part of your body. But the ridiculous thing about this very taboo is that it is usually understood as a woman’s defaulting alone. YOUR PAGE IS SO REFRESHING ESPECIALLY TO THOSE OF US AND CHILDREN IN THE DIASPORA. While some rituals can involve something as simple as a silent, individual prayer, others—especially those involving a larger group—can be extremely painful and violent. These taboos are not explained as to why people believe them other than tradition. The Latest! Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos – A Series of Cultural Tips for Countries from A to Z: SOUTH AFRICA. You see why I said it could be quite ridiculous, these taboos…? People would ask them for medical advice and revere them, for their allegedly divine powers. 1. Having sexual relations with blood sisters. 4. 2. This object made of clay is generally considered the uterus of women which have to be handled with care. In fact, the game was invented in Africa where many communities followed it. Image courtesy of africa/freedigitalphotos.net. If you are in Japan, then this taboo should not break at any cost. In some parts of Africa, women are also circumcised. The shoe/foot is the unclean part of your body. One can wonder what would happen if the serpent suddenly changes its mind. Till this day, I am bewildered because I don’t know and cannot say why left handedness is still considered a taboo by many people and even amongst the highly educated in our society. Sometimes they really serve as a great lesson because many people who have actually gone against the stated law/s never lived to tell the story. Brazilian people like to gather friends. The person in question is taken into the forest in order to connect with the Earth Spirit, Sakpata. Beatings, imprisonment, fines and sickness … Rituals are an integral part of the African culture. You should see the type of reprimanding handed over to a child or a junior person who tries to collect something from an elder with the left hand to understand the gravity of that offense. The spirit lays claim to the body, overcoming the person so that he or she becomes unconscious. So when you drink beverages from Brazilian family, have fun drinking and express your interest to feel excited. The osu caste system has prevented many prospective marriages from occurring simply because marrying an osu man or woman is also one of the easiest way to become an instant self made outcast who no one will like to deal with or do anything with together with the children produced from such unions since the osu caste system is also generational. It is taboo to buy or sell items like soap, needles or charcoal at night, and it is also forbidden to whistle after dark, since all these things will lead to bad luck. Don’t you know that I am your senior? Emmyboy (author) from Nigeria on December 06, 2016: @Joseph, Maybe I'll try to do some research on that. I promise to come out with more just for your delight. Teenage pregnancy is seriously frowned at due to many reasons. The article ‘Cultural Clues, Do’s and Taboos for South Africa’ is a brief snapshot of conversation guidelines for South Africa, tips for communicating in South Africa, and strategies for doing business with South Africa to help with understanding the culture in South Africa. So if the man knows that his wife is “tainted”, he will do everything within his power to save his own neck by avoiding the woman entirely, until she gets cleansed which requires a round of sacrifices to be made. Traditionally Japan has a very conservation culture and life in Japan all about respect. The only thing he can use is a ‘’Spear.’’. Religion can be a taboo topic in America. It is considered rude to rush through a meal or hurry your order along. 20 Cultural Taboos 1. According to her, God, life and wealth were important elements related to African culture. That is one reason why you may never see a true African child from a true African home calling his father or mother by their first name. In Africa, unlike theWest, there is are no security measures offered to the bullfighters. https://www.theafricangourmet.com/2017/01/taboos-in-africa.html Mind you, it doesn’t matter if this person is older than you by just a matter of a few hours or days because your senior is your senior. It is only just some time back that I discovered the falsity in this belief. In many African countries when talking to a tribal chief, make sure that your head is not above his. And with those kinds of statements, someone can easily impose or establish his/her authority over you. Whether social, religious or cultural, culinary customs are commonly associated with a multitude of nationally accepted “rules.” For Brazilians, it is considered taboo for those who are ill to consume predatory fish. In many cultures of Africa, medicine men and healers hold very special places. So before people get married, you find their family members making standard undercover background checks works to find out either if the couples are related so as to avoid the issue of taboo of incest or to find out if the other party involved is tagged as an osu family. The game is very popular in Kenya’s Luhya tribe. Also, some communities disallowed not naming a first child after the groom’s father or mother – based on the sex of the new baby. Taboos in culinary culture. They have several rituals for which they are very famous. First African superstition is related to witches. Here are some of them shared by users on Quora, a question-and-answer website where questions are asked, answered, edited and organised by its community of users. Learn more here. 20 Cultural Taboos 1. But taboos in Africa are truth forms that are independent of the confines of time. Take the example of Tanzania where Albinos, who are known locally as ‘zeruzeru,’ are apprehended and killed for the purpose of gaining material wealth. This is also a reason for the wider spread of AIDS within the region. It is usually carried out under the orders of a king or a leader. Taboos from Kenya are different from those of other East Africa people . women are not to sit with men not respecting elders Here 14 most Interesting taboos around the world. A good example is the incest taboo which restricts sexual behaviour among relatives and prevent rancor among family members. On a general note, taboos help people to know the improper behaviour in a society and then guide them against these behaviours. The hold of these people is so great that people prefer them over dispensaries, hospitals, churches and clinics. It shows that the girl lacks proper home training which means her mother is at fault for bringing about the devaluation in her bride price. Great hub. It is not a question of this being against the Ten Commandments because it is clearly beyond that. There were stories of people who were forbidden from eating elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes among others. The unconscious belief and practice of such taboos also stems from the fact that there are many superstitious beliefs associated with Africans. The Samburu and the Maasai communities are regarded as the most hospitable in Tanzania and Kenya. MOST YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN IN THE DIASPORA, HAVE LOST TOUCHED WITH SOME IF NOT MOST OF OUR WEST AFRICAN TRADITION.ITS A TABOO IN CAMERRON(WEST) AS IN NIGERIA FOR A WOMAN TO CLIMB A PALM TREE. Taboos vary from region to region, though there are some practices that are considered taboos in nearly every society. The ceremony is carried out in order to signify the maturity of a boy. Today the observance of taboos is not closely followed and elders blame it on the carefree attitude of most families … One of its rituals involves making someone into a kind of vessel, or medium. Taboos range from naming at birth to mentioning the dead, from superstitions surrounding tribal rulers to the presenting of gifts, from hunting for food to eating it. The community will indulge in rituals and dances in order to mark the entry of a person into adulthood. A tabu can also be seen as something that is designated as sacred and prohibited. boo [tuh-boo, ta-] adjective "proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable" Synonyms: prohibited,banned, forbidden, proscribed. As a result, no one is supposed to have any dealings with anybody confirmed to be an osu be it in serious matters like marriage or tradings. The practice is now banned in many parts of Africa. He is known as ‘’Sangoma.’’ He makes use of his puff adder in order to predict the future. Perceptions of socio-cultural beliefs and taboos among the Ghanaian fishers and fisheries authorities A case study of the Jamestown fishing community in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana — George Dosu Master thesis in International Fisheries Management (30 ECTS) – May 2017 . When they see guests drinking in an interesting and happy way, they feel happy. He would also use the same instrument for healing the locals. The list of taboos in American society is particularly long, though a lot of these practices are slowly gaining public support and thus becoming acceptable. It could also be defined as those acts, behaviour or tendency that are prohibited or restricted by social custom. They signify different aspects of life within the continent like achieving a new status on the social ladder or coming of age etc. You must add their title to their names as a mark of respect. Brazilians like to use beautiful small cups for the whole set in the dish, for drinking tea and coffee. There is usually a prohibition or taboo against killing, eating, or touching the totem (ibid) The African Concept of Taboo Female genital mutilation top the list of most bizarre taboo rituals of Africa. Traditions and taboos in The Gambia ... for which reason many people avoid visiting the sick and making condolences on this day. You dare not say the name of a genital out loud in Japan; it is considered a very serious abomination— especially the female one. Left handedness is not an option. If you want to give someone something like, let’s say money, and this person is your elder, doing so with your left hand is considered as complete mark of your utter disrespect or disdain for the person. In many communities in Africa, there are taboos as regards relating to one’s in-laws or marriage relatives. When you travel to many parts in Igbo land, you may be astoundingly discover that certain animals are not supposed to be killed or even eaten in such areas. women are not to sit with men not respecting elders It is considered rude to rush through a meal or hurry your order along. The Latest! A 56 year old Kikuyu lady was interviewed. Emmyboy (author) from Nigeria on September 17, 2014: Believe it or not my dear Alondra, this is for real... You have to come down to Africa and stay with me so that I can take you around and show you the real life evidences... Is this fiction or do you have sources to further your evidence? 2. A well brought up African person should not be seated when his or her elders are standing due to lack of seats. One, it is one of the easiest ways to identify a very promiscuous and careless girl and no parent wants to be the parent of such a “loose” girl in our Igbo society. You cannot just walk up and take something that is being shared if you don’t first wait for your elders to take their own share first simply because sharing is done by age. I really enjoyed it, thanks for posting :). Let me first start with the serious ones before I gradually introduce the really ridiculous ones. 20 cultural taboos tell you some DON’T in 20 countries, including Chile cultural taboos, Kenya cultural taboos, Japan cultural taboos and different customs. Male circumcision is a practice that is being carried out in Africa like several other places in the world. It might sound somehow odd to you but then, that’s just the way it is. Taboo were ancient. I don’t know why this is considered a taboo but most likely almost everybody you come across in our own Igbo society and ask them what their opinion on this is, you will most likely get the same answer that it is simply a taboo. Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos – A Series of Cultural Tips for Countries from A to Z: SOUTH AFRICA. Judaism food taboos, or dietary restrictions, is the perfect example of food taboos because the rules are very specific and involve even the preparation and consumption of certain foods. • Losing ones temper and shouting is considered highly rude. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Parents believe that if their children eat meat and eggs, it will convince the children to steal. https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/Interesting-African-Taboos This has resulted in injuries and even deaths of several players of this game. Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos – A Series of Cultural Tips for Countries from A to Z: South Africa. The practice of the caste system is termed Osu in Igbo society. Unlike Gelfand (1979), Bozongwana (1983) and Tatira (2000) who collected and grouped taboos according to themes, Pfukwa (2001) looks at taboos in their practical usage. For witchcraft in Africa, often accuse women and even children. If you want to know Kenya Taboos and totems, you've come to the right page. 3. These communities usually treat their guests with roasted meat. Predatory fish, like piranhas and bottom feeders, are considered taboo for the ill to eat in Brazil. The above are examples of good food being forbidden to both sexes ; but most food taboos fall on the women and-most unfortunately-on the pregnant women. Africa. It is very unfortunate that the practice has become a very potent reason for the spread of AIDs. Meat is a major food taboo for some people in some tribes of Nigeria. By not observing ancestral fady, or by observing them only selectively, individuals bring … The factors are discussed below; For instance, it is unacceptable for a father-in-law to visit while the husband is not around. One of the largest ethnic tribes in Uganda is known as Baganda. If one’s taboo was an animal – as was often the case, it was forbidden to kill or eat that animal. Maasai is a community in Kenya. https://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-bizarre-taboo-rituals-of-africa The practice is still being followed in many communities of Africa. 10 Food Taboos Around the World . In fact, there is a local community where it is believed that if a husband of an adulterous woman knowingly eats her meal, he will die! Believe it or not, such is the potency of that belief that today many women [mostly from that area] are held down in fear because of the threat of insanity hanging over them to this day! Food taboos - ritual foods - customs. Killing them is believed to attract a fine or penalty as reparation towards the great evil committed against the ancestors who are also believed to be the protectors of the land. This is done to make sure that the clan’s bonds remain tight. Marriage blessings from the parents of the girl involved is believed to be a MUST if that very marriage is expected to work and blossom. Do you know my age? So when you drink beverages from Brazilian family, have fun drinking and express your interest to feel excited. For example, each individual belonged to a certain clan which had a taboo. Taboos in culinary culture. It is a very painful process as compared to the male circumcision. The taboos associated with French dining have more to do with manners than with cultural beliefs. The ridiculous thing here is that once again, teenage pregnancy is considered a woman’s problem ALONE! "Taboos usually concern the consumption of protein-rich animal food – hence a cause of nutrient deficiencies," says Katherine Mueller, spokesperson for the IFRC in Africa. safeguarded through the use of traditional taboos practices (laws) and sanctions. Very interesting hub! Pot breaking – Accidental or intentional Pot breaking is still considered a great taboo in many parts of Africa, including Southern Nigeria. But there are cultural taboos that Ghanaians are foreigner alike must keep in mind in order not to offend members of the public. You shouldn’t write with your left hand. A taboo is sacred; the fact of its potency can be found only in the depth of the mind, where merely rational thought cannot penetrate so as to discover its reality (Ayegboyin– Jegede, 2009). The Sangoma places the puff adder near the mouth of the ailing person. So to avoid any of such trials and tribulations, any sensible girl, no matter what, will surely make sure that her father or her family really sanctions the marriage before she steps into her man’s home as a new bride. The spectrum of prohibitions across the world’s cultures is broad and fascinating. African people are very superstitious, so the superstitions in Africa, usually, is a part of everyday life. Imagine her situation and the type of welcome she will get, if she did not get that all-important blessing from them, in the first place! In Thailand, don't touch the head of someone older than you, or, in general, don't touch the head at all. You also never want to ask for a doggy-bag or leave food on your plate, the implication being that you did not enjoy your meal. In Thailand, don't touch the head of someone older than you, or, in general, don't touch the head at all. Behind each taboo there was a reason for its existence. Grandparents and elders were the ones who taught others about taboos. Training New Employees in A Remote Working World, 10 Unforgettable Things that Happened in 2020, Understanding the Fleet Auto Insurance and Its Importance, What is constructive loss in car insurance? 4 Points, 10 Bizarre Things that the Ultra Rich Spend their Money On, These Are The Best Cities To Settle in if You Are a Video Editor, Top Forex Traders in the world and why they still hold that status, Top 10 Bollywood Actresses in Swimming Costumes, Top 15 Most Beautiful Girls in the world 2020. The article ‘Cultural Clues, Do’s and Taboos for South Africa’ is a brief snapshot of conversation guidelines for South Africa, tips for communicating in South Africa, and strategies for doing business with South Africa to help with understanding the culture in South Aftica. Well, how do they say it again? When a person is visiting them, he will be asked to bring snake eggs or crocodile eggs or, in some cases, claws, fangs or teeth of dangerous animals. Taboos, agriculture and poverty Abstract: We study the impact of work taboos (fady days) on agriculture and poverty. There are more women than men in Africa, and their role is more important than that of the men: they produce the children, they cook the food which maintains life, and in most places they are the beasts of burden who produce the food. Everything is done with age and seniority in perspective. Today, I choose to focus specifically on certain African taboos prevalent in many places in Igbo speaking areas of Nigeria. Pfukwa looks at the role played by taboos in Zimbabwe’s liberation war. These taboos’s practice among traditional ethnic groups in towns and cities in Africa… Within the community, in order to be acknowledged and respected, a man is required to attain the ‘Moran’ status. The young male is usually circumcised with the help of a knife.