Traditional religions of Africa

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

One of the six parts of the world is Africa. This is a huge continent, which is washed by two seas (Mediterranean and Red) and two oceans (Atlantic and Indian). On its territory there are fifty-five states, where more than a billion people live.

The peoples of this part of the world are original and unique, with their own beliefs and traditions. What is the most popular religion in Africa? And why is she so popular on the continent? What other religions of Africa do we know? What are their characteristics?

Let's start with some interesting facts about one of the hottest places in the world.

Africa: interesting facts

The first remains of the most ancient people were found here. Scientists have proven that humanity originated in this part of the world.

Along with the most famous world religions such as Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, exoticreligions of the peoples of Africa: fetishism, ancient cults and sacrifices. Among the most unusual of them is the worship of the star Sirius, which is common among the Dogon tribe, one of the many tribes of the western part of the continent. In Tunisia, for example, Islam is considered the state religion. It is practiced by the majority of the population.

Interestingly, in one of the most exotic countries in Africa - Ethiopia - it is not customary to express violent emotions. On the streets and in public places, you should refrain from any manifestation of feelings.

One of the most widespread religions is Islam

In the middle of the 7th century, North Africa was conquered by the Arabs. The invaders brought Islam with them. Applying various measures of persuasion to the indigenous population - exemption from taxes, obtaining certain rights, etc. - the Arabs introduced a new religion. Islam spread very quickly across the continent and in some places competed with Christianity.

Religion in Africa in the 19th century

The first European colonies appeared here in the 15th century. Since that time, Christianity began to spread in Africa. One of the key ideas of this religion - the existence of a beautiful, carefree other world - is reflected in local customs and cults. The result of this was the widespread development of Christianity. Schools were built on the continent for African children, in which they not only taught to read and write, but also introduced them to the new religion. By the 19th century, Christianity had already spread widely in Africa.

Common cults and religions of Africa

But perceiving the postulates of well-known religious beliefs, the African population continues to adhere to ancient cults:

• The cult of the leader. It is common in many African tribes in various manifestations. The leader is treated as a sorcerer or priest, and in some parts of Africa, touching him is even punishable by death. The head of the tribe must be able to do what an ordinary person cannot: make rain, communicate with the spirits of the dead. If he does not cope with his duties, he may even be killed.
• Voodoo cult. One of the most mystical religions, originated in West Africa. It enables a person to communicate directly with spirits, but for this it is necessary to sacrifice an animal. Priests heal the sick, remove curses. But there are also cases when the voodoo religion is used for black magic.
• Cult of ancestors, or spirits. It occupies an important place among the traditional religions of Africa. It is especially developed in agricultural and pastoral tribes. It is based on the belief that the human soul after death continues to exist and can move into a tree, plant or animal. The spirit of the ancestors helps in everyday life, saves from troubles.
• The cult of animals, or zoolatry. It is based on a person's fear of wild predators. Leopard and snakes enjoy special reverence.
• The cult of things and objects is fetishism. One of the most widespread religions in Africa. Any thing that struck a person can become an object of worship: a tree, a stone, a statue, etc.other. If the item helps a person to get what he asks, then various offerings are brought to him, if not, then they are replaced with another one.
• Iboga is the most unusual religion in Central Africa. It got its name from a narcotic plant, the use of which causes hallucinations. Locals believe that after using this remedy, the soul leaves the human body and he has the opportunity to communicate with the spirits of animals and plants.

Features of the religions of the African people

It is interesting to list the distinctive features of the religions of the peoples of Africa:

• Respect for the dead. Carrying out special rituals, with the help of which they turn to the spirits for help. The dead have a great influence on the existence of the living.
• Lack of belief in heaven and hell, but Africans have an idea of the afterlife.
• Unquestioning fulfillment of the instructions of the elders. In general, the cultures and religions of Africa are based on the tradition of conveying the main concepts of life and society through oral stories from the oldest to the youngest.
• In many African tribes, faith in a higher being, who created the world and governs all life on earth, is stable. You can only contact him in exceptional cases: drought, flood, threat to the life of society.
• Faith in the mystical transformation of man. With the help of special cults, a person can enhance his physical and mental abilities.
• Worshiping objects endowed with mystical properties.
• Sacrifices to the gods canbring any person.
• A large number of different rituals associated with different periods in a person's life: growing up, marriage, childbirth, death.
• Close to nature and love for the earth.

The most popular traditions and customs of Africa

No other country in the world attracts such close attention of tourists. One of the reasons is the large number of interesting customs. The most curious of them are related to wedding rituals and family life. Here are just a few:

• The bride walks to the groom's house and carries her dowry herself.
• Women gather at the house of the future husband and shout at the girl. It is believed that these actions help to bring happiness to the newlyweds.
• After the wedding, the husband and wife should not go out for several days.
• In Ethiopia, the Hamer tribe lives, in which the more scars on a woman's body, the happier she is considered. Weekly beatings are proof of her husband's love.

Tourist information

Africa is an amazing and exotic world that attracts a huge number of travelers from all over the world. Rest here brings new unique knowledge and a lot of positive emotions, but so that your stay does not end in tears, use the following tips:

• Don't speak negatively about the customs and traditions of the locals.
• Many religions in Africa forbid women to walk the streets with their arms and legs open.
• For residents to treat you withgreat welcome, you need to learn a few words or phrases in the local language.
• Be careful with hugs and kisses, in African countries it is not customary to express your feelings in public.
• Don't give money to beggars, otherwise you will be attacked by a whole mob.
• Open clothes are best left for the beach.
• To take a photo of a place or attraction you like, you need to ask permission from the guide, in many cases photography is prohibited.

In closing

The religions of Africa are diverse. The most important thing is that every resident has the right to choose the one that he likes. Of course, there are still places on the continent where various cults are worshiped and rituals are performed that are not acceptable for tourists, but in general, the religions of Africa are aimed at maintaining peace and human well-being.