How superstitious are you?
If you’re a Nigerian, superstitions are nothing new to you. Superstitions are tales that usually have no foundation in truth but are intended to intimidate people into staying in line.
From eating a fish’s eyeball to crossing paths with a black cat, here’s a list of the most popular and most ridiculous Nigerian superstitions:
1. Eating A Fish’s Eyeball
It is believed that if you’re eating fish, it is best to avoid it’s eyeball if you don’t want to become a dullard. Fish lovers beware.
2. Whistling At Night
It is a popular belief that if you whistle at night the devil will mimic your voice and use it to afflict you. Or you just might be calling on all the evil spirits in the area.
3. Wearing Clothes Inside Out
For many Nigerians if you erroneously/mistakenly wear ‘the back of clothes’ you will experience good fortune all through the day.
4. Hitting Your Leg On A Stone
Legend has it that hitting your left on a stone while you’re walking is a bad omen, while hitting your right leg on a stone is a good sign.
5. Picking Money On The Ground
Apparently, if you don’t want to turn into a tuber of yam or a tortoise, then you must look away if you ever see money that is not yours lying around.
6. Sleeping With Your Leg On The Wall
According to some people, if you sleep with your leg on the wall then you are a witch who has attended a meeting.
7. Crossing Paths with A Black Cat
For many Nigerians, merely setting one’s eyes on a black cat is enough to send shivers down one’s spine. Black cats are believed to be witches, bad luck and a representation everything evil.
#TraditionalValues is a segment documenting the beauty of indigenous culture. This edition highlights a few of the popular superstitious beliefs in Nigeria.
