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 common religion in Africa? 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 interesting 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 was born 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 many tribes of the western part of the continent. And in Tunisia, for example, Islam is considered the state religion. Most of the population professes it.
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, one 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. The invaders brought Islam with them. Applying various measures of persuasion of the indigenous population - exemption from taxes, obtaining certain rights, etc. - Arabs introduced a new religion. Islam spread very quickly across the continent and in some places competed with Christianity.
Religion of Africa in the 19th Century
The first European colonies appeared here in the 15th century. From 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 for African children were built on the continent , in which they not only taught to read and write, but also introduced them to the new religion. By the 19th century, Christianity was already widespread in Africa.
Common Cults and Religions in 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 like a sorcerer or priest, and in some places in Africa, touching him is even punishable by death. The head of the tribe must be able to do what an ordinary person cannot: cause rain, communicate with the spirits of the dead. If he does not cope with his duties, he may even be killed.
- The voodoo cult. One of the most mystical religions that 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.
- The 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 inhabit a tree, plant or animal. The spirit of ancestors helps in everyday life, protects from troubles.
- The cult of animals, or zoolatria. It is based on a person’s fear of wild predators. Leopard and snakes are especially revered.
- The cult of things and objects is fetishism. One of the most common religions in Africa. The subject of worship can be any thing that struck a person: a tree, a stone, a statue and more. If an object helps a person to get what he asks for, then various offerings are brought to him, if not, then they are replaced by another.
- Iboga is the most unusual religion of Central Africa. It got its name from a narcotic plant, the use of which causes hallucinations. Local residents believe that after applying this tool, 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 distinguishing 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 spirits for help. The dead have a great influence on the existence of the living.
- The lack of faith in heaven and hell, however, Africans have an idea of the afterlife.
- Unquestioning fulfillment of the elders' instructions. In general, the cultures and religions of Africa are based on the tradition of conveying the basic concepts of life and society through oral stories from the oldest to the youngest.
- In many African tribes, there is a strong belief in a higher being who created the world and rules all life on earth. It can be addressed only in exceptional cases: drought, flood, threat to the life of society.
- Belief in the mystical transformations of man. With the help of special cults, a person can strengthen his physical and mental abilities.
- The worship of objects endowed with mystical properties.
- Anyone can bring sacrifices to the gods.
- A large number of different ceremonies associated with different periods in a person's life: growing up, marriage, childbirth, 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 the large number of interesting customs. The most curious of them are associated with wedding rituals and family life. Here are just a few of them:
- The bride walks to the groom's house and carries her dowry herself.
- At the house of the future husband, women gather and shout at the girl. It is believed that these actions help find happiness for the newlyweds.
- After the wedding, the husband and wife should not go outside for several days.
- In Ethiopia, the Hamer tribe lives, in which the more scars on the woman’s body, the happier she is considered. The proof of her husband’s love is weekly beatings.
Tourist info
Africa is an amazing and exotic world that attracts a huge number of travelers from around the world. Rest here brings new unique knowledge and many positive emotions, but so that your stay does not end badly, use the following tips:
- Do not speak negatively about the customs and traditions of local residents.
- Many religions in Africa prohibit women from walking in the streets with their arms and legs open.
- In order for the residents to be very kind to you, you need to learn a few words or phrases in the local dialect.
- Be careful with hugs and kisses; it is not customary in African countries to publicly express your 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 take a photograph of a place or a place of interest, you need to ask the attendant for permission, in many cases photography is prohibited.
Finally
The religions of Africa are diverse. Most importantly, each resident has the right to choose the one that he likes. Of course, there are still places on the continent in which they worship various cults and perform ceremonies that are not acceptable for tourists, but in general the religions of Africa are aimed at preserving peace and human well-being.