Taboos are things you must never do!
Taboos are social or religious customs that restrict certain practices within cultures or communities. As is in every country, the various Nigerian ethnic groups have taboos that are particular to them.
Here is a list of about ten of them:
1. The King’s Crown
Prominent in Yoruba culture, the King is not allowed to look into his crown. The crown is said to contain magical powers and is surrounded by much symbolism which may result in the death of the king if he looks into it.
This is the reason behind the King’s coronation crown being placed on his head from behind or sideways and the king’s face is covered by a beaded veil which is attached to the rim of the crown.
2. Eating New Yam
Practised in Igbo culture, new yams cannot be eaten especially by titled men until the New Yam festival in a bid to show a mark of respect for the crop which is regarded as the king of all crops and is said to only be cultivated by men.
3. Peeing In An Upright Position
In Hausa culture, both men and women are expected to urinate while squatting, doing otherwise is considered taboo. Ladies, on the other hand, are not expected to be seen peeing anywhere in public.
4. Beating A Man With A Broom
In the Yoruba culture, it is considered that a man’s genitals will disappear or reduce if he is beaten with a broom. This in turn will render him impotent or sexually inactive as a husband.
5. Killing Pythons
Pythons are considered sacred in some parts of Igboland, therefore they are not killed or eaten. They are considered to be the reincarnation of their forefathers and killing them can draw the anger of the gods.
In a case where it is mistakenly killed in a trap, the animal is buried with the lamentation of a departed being.
6. Dressing In Silk And Gold
Men in Hausa Culture are forbidden from wearing silk apparel and using gold ornaments. It is only acceptable for women.
7. Whistling At Night
The act is forbidden in Yoruba land because it is believed that whistling tends to attract evil spirits and demons to people’s houses to torment them.
It is also believed that it attracts snakes to the house.
8. Eating Pork
The pig is considered an unclean animal in the Hausa culture, therefore its sale and consumption are considered to be a grievous offences.
9. Using One’s Left Hand
This is a general taboo that cut across most cultures in Nigeria. Performing tasks which include; eating, giving, and receiving especially to an elderly person is considered a symbol of disrespect.
10. Celebrating The Oro Festival
Oro Festival is an event that is celebrated by towns of Yoruba origin. Patriarchal in nature, it is only celebrated by male natives of the settlement. Females and non-natives must not see what goes on during this festival therefore they are advised to remain indoors.
It is believed that any woman who comes out or peeps will die.
#Traditional is a segment documenting the beauty of indigenous culture. This edition features 10 Taboos across the 3 major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
