Stories about African rituals have been told all over the world. One strong African belief that has however turned to be of global appeal is the belief and worship of ancestors. A white man stood in amazement one time looking at an African man to make a handshake with a snake that was assumed to be an ancestor. This is surely a live snake. It’s not surprising why this man was bitten by the snake because an ancestor can never be turn to be a snake. There is however evidence of grief by the appearance of a snake within the home premises. This I got from a radio discussion where an expert in tradition was questioned on the authenticity of ancestors. So, it is FALSE, no ancestor turn to be a snake.
Another interesting story that came from listeners is that of night mares. It is common for people in Africa to have strong beliefs in dreams. Some could hate you from what they dream about you and the interpretation thereof. I know a little as I’m African too. Once you dream your teeth loose or removed, a family member is due to die. Once you dream floods, you must have impregnated the lady you last spent a night with. A snake bite in the dream means you will face difficult times in your health. So many interpretation comes with dreams. See more of what comes form the national radio discussion at my blog, yeboyeafrica.com.
My grandfather was a traditional healer and whenever we saw a snake at home, he used to stop us from killing it. Whenever we killed it he used to grieve the loss and do some ritual practices that we do not suffer the consequences of killing an ancestral snake. In actual fact, the snake is indication that ancestors are now unhappy with those living and want some blood shared in the family. This therefore means that a domestic animal should be killed in sacrifice for the family. Otherwise a terrible punishment would befall the family.
I personally have no interest in such issues yet I know others may take interest to learn. Do visit us for more radio discussion notes.
A writer, motivational speaker, teacher and a businessman. Authoring six motivational books and a freelencer for two local magazines. Website is yeboyesafrica.com.
