Odd Taboos in Nigerian Cultures
As varied as the cultures are across Nigeria, so are the many taboos that abound in each and every one of them. While these taboos may sacrosanct to the people they apply to, there are some of them that will come off as downright ridiculous to anyone who isn't familiar with them.
In no particular order, I have chronicled some of the taboos that apply in some parts of Nigeria. If you tend to sojourn the country side often, you might want to take note of them:
In Eke-Idemilli it is forbidden to kill a snake.
It is forbidden in some parts of Igbo land to commit suicide. The parents/family of the person would be made to pay the fine.
In some Yoruba cultures, it is a taboo for pregnant women to go near corpses.
It is forbidden for a person to sleep on the reverse side of a mat in Ekiti State.
In Umudioka in Anambra State, it is a taboo to have sex with someone of the same kindred as yourself.
In some parts of Igbo land it is a taboo to sweep at night. Even if you do, you have to leave the dirt/rubbish in the room until morning.
Snails are forbidden in some parts of Delta.
When a king dies in Idoma, it is a taboo to mourn at the funeral.
In many cultures of Nigeria, it is forbidden to give or receive anything with your left hand.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There's a ton more of odd taboos out there across the various parts of the country. In case I missed some you know off, you can add them in the comments section.
