Taboos have and will always be a part of
the African cultures, irrespective of the tribe you represent, there
will be something you must never do in some lands, else you will face
the wrath of the gods.
The
IGBO tribe is one of three major tribes in Nigeria, western Africa with
rich cultures and heritage, they are highly industrious and
enterprising. But as beautiful as the Igbo people are, they have
specific cultures that must not be joked with even as civilization seems
to be swept away so many cultural values, Certain things are considered
a taboo in the entire IGBO land.
Well,
if you are wondering what TABOOS are: A taboo is something declared
forbidden either for its sacred nature or to protect the people of a
given community from the wrath of the gods and the leaders.
Let's take a look at 10 forbidden things you shouldn't do in IGBO land:
1. Killing/Eating Of The Eke (python):
Pythons
are generally sacred in Igboland and in Delta State, and must not be
killed or eaten. Pythons are believed to be the reincarnation of
ancestors, and regarded as "our father." Killing a python is like
killing one's own father, and apart from drawing the ire of the whole
community, it could also draw the ire of the gods. Mistakenly killing or
catching a python in one's trap requires that the animal be buried with
all the lamentations of a deceased human being. Quails, snails, dogs,
and some other animals are also not eaten in certain parts.
2. Committing Adultery Is Taboo
Fornication
is nothing in Igboland – meaning that it does not draw the cultural ire
of the gods, even though elders forbid that youths engage in premarital
s*x. But it is much worse if a married woman engages in adultery, and
both the elders of the land and the gods forbid this. It is believed
that a woman can become mad or lunatic for adultery, and a man must
never taste the food prepared by his wife if he has reasons to believe
she engaged in adultery – or he might be a partaker of her punishment
from the gods.
3. Suicide or Killing Of Oneself
Killing
oneself or committing suicide is a taboo in Igbo land, and so much
frowned upon by both man and gods that the victim of suicide must never
be buried within the community. His body is cursed and must never be
buried in the land, but in the Forbidden Forest or outside the town to
prevent such evils from befalling others in the community.
4. A Woman Blessing The Kolanut
[/b]Kolanut
is considered a sacred nut in Igbo land and in Delta State, and must
never be broken or shared by a woman. A kolanut must only be broken,
blessed, and shared by a man because "he that giveth kola, giveth life,"
but never by a woman because it is a life-giving nut of the gods.
5. Committing Incest
It
is a taboo to have sexual relations with one's blood relations or with
sisters from the same parents. This is frowned upon by everyone in the
community and must never be attempted by anyone or blindness, deafness,
poverty or death might result as consequences according to the elders of
the land.
6. Using The Left Hand
Using
the left hand to do anything is forbidden in Igboland and strictly
prohibited – regardless of the fact that the individual may be
left-handed. A left-handed individual is trained or oriented to learn
the use of the right hand in eating, writing, giving and accepting
things. Elders deeply frown on giving or taking things with the left
hand because it is considered most disrespectful and unfortunate.
7. Unblessed Marriage Union
It
is forbidden for a woman to live with a man without the proper marriage
rites or without the due approval and approval of their parents. A
respectable man is expected to pay the dowry or bride-price of his wife
before or shortly after starting to live together, or the woman will
lose respect in the community and may face problems of poverty,
retrogression, sickness and death among others.
8. Marrying An Osu
An
Osu is an outcast within the caste system, and marrying one is
considered a taboo that must never be done. An Osu or outcast is
considered the property of the gods or a slave and descendant of slaves
and must never be offered or taken for marriage. Free-born men and women
are expected to investigate the origins and social class of an
individual to be certain he/she is not an Osu before contracting
marriage.
9. Causing The Fall Of An Elder
Causing
an elder to fall from his seat or drop from his feet is considered a
taboo, and the offender must k**l a goat for ritual or he may never grow
to the present age of the age. A goat or any other prescribed item must
be provided to cleanse the land and atone for the offender. Regardless
of the situation, a youth or younger individual must never cause the
fall of an elder.
10. Whistling In The Night
It
is considered a taboo to whistle in the night because this act is
considered to lure snakes into the home, and also attract evil spirits
that roam the night. Whistling in the night is highly discouraged and
forbidden and must never be tried in Igboland or the individual will
receive the sharp rebuke of elders of the land.
Source: AbujaPress.com