Superstition refers to the irrational beliefs based on the fear about a specific phenomena, certain words, or certain acts.
In a world where science tries to explain everything, where we try to rationalize all concepts. in the DRC, on the other hand, even the most irrational legends still have avid followers.
There are beliefs based not on scientific evidence and prohibitions with no logical basis, but many prefer to observe without asking questions.
In the Shi tribe and the Bafuliru tribe in South Kivu, for example, it is forbidden to sweep at night at the risk of attracting evil spirits into the house.
Among the Nande people in North Kivu, it is said that a woman who eats chicken, eggs, or grasshoppers brings bad luck.
Among the Yombe tribe in the province of Kongo-Central, it is strictly forbidden to hang in front of the door at the risk of repelling happiness or visitors carrying good messages in the family.
In the Yaka tribe in the province of Bandundu, it would be possible to have a bone treated remotely.
In business, the first customer coming to your business is a sign of luck. Still, if the first customer is an old person, especially a woman, your day is wasted, and your business will be unhappy about that.
For some tribes in the DRC, old people are a sign of bad luck, are almost called sorcerers, and sometimes rejected, and their families sometimes participate in their death.
Son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws do not share chicken with their father-in-laws and bride-in-laws because it brings bad luck.
In the Fuliru tribe from South Kivu province women do not eat chicken stomachs; it signifies bad luck.
The owl is always a sign announcing death; when crossing it, you are obliged to pray to break the spirit of deaths for Christians, and non-Christians go to the witch doctor for their protection.
In the Lega/Rega tribe, there is a well-known god named Kimbirikiti for their culture, the term Kimbirikiti (Kimbirikite/Kimbilikiti) comes from South Kivu (eastern DRC). This province is considered the rallying point for young boys from the East of the country wishing or being called to participate in the annual ritual ceremony supposed to remain secret by its nature. This ritual, initiated by a protective deity of the Rega or Lega culture, comes alive around a spirit called "Kimbirikiti." The word comes from Swahili, the language of the Bantu, "Kimbirikiti" is a god supposed to protect a culture. This spirit would also be at the heart of "Bwali" ceremonies alluding to circumcision, long valued as much as excision in West Africa, as a rite by which young Rega/Lega boys are initiated into the adult life. Lasting thirty (30) days, the "Kimbirikite" takes place in the middle of the forest along North and South Kivu and Maniema, far from the curious. On the returning from the rite, conversations must take place between the initiates (circumcised) in the greatest discretion under fear of bad luck. As for the traditional "doctor" god protector of the culture his voice does not stop resounding in the middle of the forest waiting for new candidates for initiation, and women can not succeed.
When there is a roar of a lion in the village, it means there is a wizard who is free in that village, and everyone is supposed to protect themselves.
In the tribes of Lega from the province of South Kivu and Bangubangu from the region of Maniema, once a family member from this side dies, the other side will be paid; if not, that side has to be paid will send someone to go and sleep in the grave.
In the Bembe tribe, it is forbidden for a woman to see a boy or male child when he is circumcised, and when a woman sees it, the young man will suffer because the time for it to get healed will not be respected.
Conclusion
As we can see, some of these traditions are grounded in culture; whether they seem bizarre or not, this is part of their beliefs for centuries. Every time there is evidence to disprove superstitions, some will say they have firm evidence and proof of its validity. Some choose to depart from these superstitions, while others hold to their traditions and beliefs.
Information, research, and writing provided by Muganuzi Mushongole Adonis a citizen of the DRC.
To learn more about the superstitions of the DRC reach out to Muganuzi Mushongole Adonis at muganuzi20adonis@gmail.com
Muganuzi Mushongole Adonis is the Founder and Executive Director of Yaren Organization of Africa which is a non-profit organization that trains and empowers communities with skills that will enable them to integrate into communities when relocated and stimulate the entrepreneurship spirit.
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