Traditional religions of Africa

One of the six parts of the world is Africa. It 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. Which religion in Africa is the most common? And why is it so popular on the continent? What other religions of Africa do we know? What are their features?

Let's start with curious information about one of the hottest places in the world.

Africa: Interesting Facts

Here were found the first remains of the most ancient people. Scientists have proved that humanity originated in this part of the world.

Along with the most famous world religions, such as Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, in some parts of the continent there are also exotic religions 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 in the Dogon tribe, one of the numerous tribes of the western part of the continent. And in Tunisia, for example, Islam is considered the state religion. He professes most of the population.

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

One of the most common religions is Islam

In the middle of the 7th century, North Africa was conquered by the Arabs. 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.

The Religion of Africa in the 19th Century

The first European colonies appeared here in the 15th century. Since that time, Christianity has begun to spread in Africa. One of the key ideas of this religion - the existence of a beautiful, carefree otherworldly world - has found its reflection in local customs and cults. The result was the widespread development of Christianity. On the continent, schools were built for African children, in which they not only taught to read and write, but also introduced 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 the ancient cults:

• Cult of the leader. It is common in many African tribes in various manifestations. The leader is treated like a sorcerer or a priest, and in some parts of Africa, touching him is even punishable by death. The head of the tribe should be able to do what the ordinary person can not: cause rain, communicate with the spirits of the dead. If he does not cope with his duties, he may even be killed.
• Cult of voodoo. 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. The priests heal the sick, remove the curses. But there are also cases when the religion of voodoo 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 cattle breeding 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 ancestors helps in everyday life, protects from trouble.
• Cult of animals, or zolatry. It is based on a person's fear of wild predators. A special veneration is enjoyed by the leopard and snakes.
• The cult of things and objects is fetishism. One of the most common religions of Africa. The object of worship can be any thing that struck a person: wood, stone, statue and more. If an object helps a person get what he asks, then he is offered various offerings, if not, they are replaced by others.
• Ibogi is the most unusual religion of Central Africa. Its name is derived from a narcotic plant, the use of which causes hallucinations. Local residents believe that after using this remedy, the soul leaves the human body and 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:

• Respectful attitude towards the dead. Conducting special rituals, with the help of which they turn for help to spirits. The dead have a great influence on the existence of the living.
• The lack of faith in heaven and hell, but there is an idea of the afterlife of the Africans.
• Unqualified execution of the instructions of the elders. In general, the cultures and religions of Africa are based on the tradition of conveying the main concepts about life and society through oral stories from the eldest to the youngest.
• In many African tribes , the belief in a higher being that has created the world and guides all life on earth is stable. It can be addressed only in exceptional cases: drought, flood, threat to the life of society.
• Faith in the mystical transformations of man. With the help of special cults, a person can strengthen his physical and mental abilities.
• Worship of objects endowed with mystical properties.
• Victims of the gods can bring any person.
• A large number of different rituals associated with different periods in a person's life: growing up, marriage, the birth of children, death.
• Proximity to nature and love of the earth.

The most popular traditions and customs of Africa

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

• The bride goes on foot to the groom's house and carries her own dowry herself.
• At the house of the future husband, women gather and shout at the girl. It is believed that these actions help to find happiness for the newlyweds.
• After the wedding, the husband and wife should not go out for a few days.
• Ethiopia is inhabited by a tribe of hamers, in which the more scars on the body of a woman, the happier it is considered. The evidence of the husband's love is the weekly beating.

Information for tourists

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 to stay does not end bad, use the following tips:

• Do not speak negatively about the customs and traditions of local residents.
• Many African religions forbid women to walk the streets with their arms and legs open.
• In order for residents to treat you with great cordiality, it is necessary to learn a few words or phrases in the local dialect.
• Be careful with hugs and kisses, in countries of Africa it is not accepted to publicly express their feelings.
• Do not give money to the poor, otherwise you will be attacked by a whole crowd.
• Open clothes are best left for the beach.
• To photograph a favorite place or landmark, you need to ask permission from the escort, in many cases photography is prohibited.

Finally

Africa's religions are diverse. The most important thing is that every citizen has the right to choose the one that will be to his liking. Of course, there are places on the continent that worship different cults and perform rituals that are not acceptable to tourists, but in general the religions of Africa are aimed at preserving peace and human well-being.