The tales of every Nigerian child are not complete without mentioning the funny superstitions we were made to believe.
We grasped these superstitions with both hands and held on to them with all our being. Everyone within hearing distance was blessed with this newfound knowledge.
Furthermore, these funny superstitions made us change our way of life in a bid to imbibe them in our everyday lives. In commemoration of our Independence Day, we will discuss 64 funny superstitions you have probably heard as a Nigerian.
64 Funny Superstitions
1. Egret gives white fingers
In Yoruba culture, there’s a funny belief that if you sing a special song to egrets (birds with white feathers that are usually seen with cows), they will give you white fingers.
All you need to do is call out to the egrets (Leke Leke) with a song, asking them to make your fingers white. Yoruba people believe this will work. It’s a strange but harmless superstition that shows how much Yoruba people love beauty and music.
2. You should not hit a male child with a broom
The Yorubas think that if you beat your male child with a broom, he won’t be able to have children when he grows up. So, they warn parents and caregivers to never use a broom to discipline a boy. It’s a strange but important rule in Yoruba culture. They want to protect their children and make sure they grow up strong and healthy.
3. A piece of thread can magically stop hiccups
There’s a strange but interesting belief that a small piece of thread can stop a baby’s hiccups. To make the hiccups go away, you just put a tiny thread on the baby’s head. Many parents believe this works.
This might seem funny to others, but most Nigerians trust this old remedy. They think it’s a clever solution that their ancestors came up with. Even if doctors might not agree, Nigerian parents believe in the power of the thread.
4. It is bad luck to cross over a person
Growing up, it was forbidden to cross over someone if the person was in your path. Doing so will stop the person from growing. You would be told to cross over the person back to reverse it and counteract the bad luck.
5. It is bad luck to sweep past midnight with a local broom
People usually say evil spirits are awake once it’s past midnight so if they hear the sound of your broom, they’ll join you and you’ll be sweeping away your good luck. This superstition probably exists to stop people from mistakenly throwing away valuables when they sweep at night.
6. Once food has touched the ground, the devil has eaten It
Imagine eating a snack that the devil has eaten. Funny right? This is what this superstition is all about. When your food or snack falls on the floor, you can’t pick it up and eat it because the devil has apparently eaten it.
7. The “Human tree”
Popular folklore tells us that if you swallow any seed (mango, udara, watermelon, etc.), it will germinate and grow on your head. This superstition can be attributed to trying to prevent children from ingesting seeds of their favourite fruits as most seeds are inedible.
8. Eating in one’s dream equates to initiation rites
Another popular superstition in Nigeria is the belief that if you are offered food in your dream, whether solid or liquid, you have been initiated into a cult, or worse, something bad might happen to you. We heard this one so much while growing up and we still do.
9. The “Seer”
As children, we were told that if you urinate at night and you wash your face with it, you will see spirits. Sounds funny and unbelievable, but it is seen as true. This is one of those superstitions that I fail to grasp the reasoning behind. Perhaps, it was used in the olden days to prevent children from going out at night to pee due to safety concerns that parents had.
10. Sighting ghosts in a marketplace
The fear of encountering ghosts is a big deal here in Nigeria, and this is another superstition regarding one. It is said that if you bend down and look between your legs in a crowded place like a market, you will see the ghosts in that gathering.
Due to this, no child wanted to test this theory to find out if it was true or not.
11. Whistling at night
In Yoruba culture, people believe that whistling at night is a bad idea. They think that when you whistle in the dark, you’re inviting snakes and other reptiles or creepy crawlies into your home. So, they warn everyone to keep quiet and not whistle after sunset or when it is evening.
12. Pregnant women must attach a safety pin to their clothes
In Yoruba culture, pregnant women are told to always wear safety pins on their clothes. People believe that if they don’t, evil spirits might possess their unborn baby. The safety pin is like a shield that keeps the baby safe from harm. It’s a simple habit to get into, and it gives pregnant women peace of mind.
So, if you see a pregnant Yoruba woman with safety pins on her clothes, you know she’s just protecting her little one from harm.
13. Spitting on the ground could lead to a sore throat
Another superstition or little white lie as we like to refer to it is the belief that, if you spit on the ground and someone steps on it, you will have a sore throat. This is another one of those superstitions that exist to help regulate societal conduct and, in this case, it is to prevent reckless spitting which could be a sour sight in the community.
14. Jackpot!
This is a very popular one and I’m sure we have all heard it. It’s the superstition that the next money you receive is as a result of an itching palm, but several people have attested to receiving money soon after having an itching palm.
15. “Who is calling my name oh”
Growing up, a funny superstition we were told is that if you sneeze repeatedly, someone is calling you. You would often see situations where someone sneezes repeatedly and goes ahead to ask who was calling them. This was always funny to witness because you could tell that the utterer genuinely believed they were being called. Has anyone stopped to consider that it might simply be an irritation or a cold?
16. Picking up money from the floor
Imagine coming across some bills along the walkway whilst going to the supermarket. This is an opportunity to buy more groceries, right? Not in Nigeria. It is believed that one will turn into a tuber of yam if one picks up any cash found on the floor that doesn’t belong to you.
17. When a dog barks at night, it has seen a ghost
If you are enjoying a peaceful night’s rest and your German Shepherd disrupts it by barking continuously, it is believed that your dog has seen a ghost. This is because dogs are believed to see better than the average human.
18. It’s bad luck to look in the mirror in the middle of the night
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest among them all? This is a popular line from the fairytale movie, Snow White and one has to look into a mirror to enact this scene. In Nigeria, it is a general belief that when you look in the mirror past midnight, you are summoning spirits.
19. It’s not good to write someone’s name with red ink
In Nigeria, using red ink to write someone’s name is a big deal. People believe it’s a sign of blood and it means the person is dead or you are cursing the person.
20. Cloudy skies without rain
Remember Auntie Yemisi from Ekiti, who always had a theory about everything? She used to say that if you see cloudy skies without a drop of rain during a very long dry season, it’s because someone’s hosting a big event or doing construction.
Their partying and hammering have the supernatural power to hold the rain hostage. So next time it’s cloudy but dry, check if there’s a wedding or roadwork nearby—Auntie Yemisi might just be onto something!
21. No morning debt collection
There’s this old belief that if you’re a debt collector and you show up early in the morning, you’re asking for trouble. Possibly, this belief was created by debtors who were just too groggy to handle financial talks before their morning coffee.
22. First customer on credit
Ever heard the one about how selling on credit to your first customer of the day could ruin your whole day’s sales? Think of it as setting a bad omen for the rest of your sales.
23. Fetching water at night
Do you know how Grandma would always warn you about fetching water from the well at night? According to Yoruba superstition, doing so could get you a slap from an evil spirit. She probably just wanted to keep you safe, but the legend makes it sound like there’s a nightly spirit patrol ready to dole out supernatural smacks.
24. Cats as witches
In many Nigerian cultures, cats are thought to be witches in disguise. This belief is often rooted in traditional folklore, where cats are seen as having mystical or evil powers, especially if they exhibit unusual behaviour or appear at night.
25. Dead animals and guardian angels
Are you finding a dead bat or owl in your compound? Well, according to many local beliefs in Nigeria, this means your guardian angels were busy fighting off some sinister forces sent after you. It’s like having a personal celestial bodyguard service, battling nocturnal nuisances on your behalf.
26. Don’t eat with your left hand
Ever wonder why our parents always insisted we use only our right hand for eating? In many Nigerian cultures, using the left hand at the dining table is like committing a major culinary crime. or, even worse, make your food taste like utter disappointment.
27. Don’t take pictures of people while they are sleeping
Imagine taking a photo of someone mid-snooze and getting a stern warning from Grandma about stealing souls. The old belief goes that taking a picture of someone while they’re asleep could whisk away their very essence.
28. Don’t cross your legs while sitting
One could only wonder how many people believe this. The superstition is that doing so might stunt your growth as if crossing your legs could magically freeze you at your current height. So, if you’re hoping to reach new heights, keep those legs uncrossed and avoid any potential growth hiccups.
29. Do not sleep with your feet facing the door
In some cultures, in Nigeria, it’s believed that sleeping with your feet facing the door could invite death. It is frowned upon, especially by adults.
30. It is wrong to play with an umbrella when it isn’t raining
In Yoruba culture, they believe that playing with an umbrella on a sunny day is wrong. If you do, you’ll be inviting non-stop rain on your wedding day.
So, if you want a beautiful, sunny wedding day, don’t even think about opening that umbrella unless it’s raining. The Yorubas take it seriously to ensure a lovely wedding celebration. In truth, this is probably to deter children from playing with umbrellas to stop them from spoiling it.
31. A pregnant woman shouldn’t walk under the sun
In Yoruba culture, they believe that pregnant women should avoid walking under the direct sun, especially at noon. They think that if they do, their baby might be born with birthmarks or defects.
So, to keep their babies safe and healthy, pregnant Yoruba women stay in the shade, wear protective clothing, or carry umbrellas when going out. It’s a simple precaution to ensure a happy and healthy delivery.
32. It is bad to drink coconut water
In Yoruba culture, they believe that drinking coconut water should be avoided. The superstition is that if you drink it, you’ll become dull and lacking in intelligence. So, if you want to stay sharp and smart, Yorubas say skip the coconut water. They stick to avoiding coconut water to keep their minds bright and alert.
33. Putting an eyelash on the ground to make your parents or teachers forget your crime
There are a few iterations to this one. Some say the lash should be put in your parent’s shoes, a few people say it should be on the ground so they can cross it and others think you should clench it in your palm. They still serve the same purpose…memory loss. The belief is that if you commit an offence, before your parents come back home take out an eyelash and when they return, put it in their shoes… they’ll forget the crime you committed.
34. “Inside out!”
Another superstition is that if you wear your clothes inside out by mistake, good luck is coming your way. Perhaps this is meant to prevent kids from feeling too bad when they mistakenly wear their clothes the wrong way around.
35. Eating vulture meat
Vultures are referred to as scavengers of death because they feed on the dead and filthy things. In some Nigerian traditions, if a vulture is found on your roof, you are advised to keep throwing stones at it till it goes away. it is believed to be a sign of bad luck and your home needs cleansing from untimely death. That is why vultures are not domesticated or eaten in Nigeria.
36. Killing snakes
In the eastern part of Nigeria, snakes are worshipped as gods. They are not killed because they are believed to be great ancestors. Also, it is said that snakes protect crops on the farm and get rid of herbivores. It is believed that snakes identify good and bad spirits. If you have any encounter with a snake, simply let it pass because if your heart is pure, it’ll pass you by but if you have hidden intentions, it’ll bite you.
37. Don’t tell anyone you’re pregnant till your second trimester
As far as pregnancy superstitions go, this is a common one, women are advised to hide their pregnancy till their second trimester. According to the myths, evil spirits can hear about it and jinx the pregnancy, leading to the loss of your baby.
38. If you kill a wall gecko, the house will collapse
Wall geckos are normally referred to as ‘Omo Onile’ which is a Yoruba term that translates to ‘the child of the land owner’. It is believed that wall geckos should not be killed, else the house will collapse or something bad will happen.
39. Young ladies should not pound in an empty mortar
People believe that if a young woman pounds inside an empty mortar, her breasts will become flat. This superstition cautions young ladies to avoid pounding on empty mortars to preserve their feminine curves. It’s a reminder to be mindful of their actions, as they are expected to maintain their beauty and physical attributes.
40. Don’t let an ugly person see a pregnant woman
The Yorubas believe that if an ugly person sees a pregnant woman, the baby might be born with physical imperfections or ugliness. To keep the baby beautiful, pregnant women are often shielded from meeting or seeing people who are considered unattractive.
This superstition is rooted in the belief that the energy and aura of the people around a pregnant woman can influence the unborn child’s physical appearance. So, Yorubas take precautions to ensure only positive and beautiful influences surround their expectant mothers.
41. Failing to throw your broken teeth in the roof prevents it from growing back
If your tooth breaks, the practice is to run around the house seven times and throw the tooth on the roof. If this is not done, the tooth will not grow back. This superstition was mostly told to children and they believed it.
42. If you hit your left foot on the stone when you are going out, you’ll encounter bad luck
The superstition is that if you are on your way out and you bump your left foot into any solid object like a stone, you would be faced with bad luck and so that trip should be completely cancelled or rescheduled to prevent it.
43. Putting a broom in your armpit will make you faint when you are being flogged
If you want your teacher to stop flogging you, put a broomstick or a bean under your armpits and you’ll faint. This superstition was practised by almost every child back in the days. You also need to position your hand in an appropriate angle for it to work!
44. Itchy sole of the Feet
This is another positive and funny superstition. Nigerians believe that when the sole of your feet starts itching and you were not bitten or stung by any insect, it is a sign that you’re about to walk into somewhere very significant. Like a place that works in your favour. Probably not immediately, but that moment is close.
45. If you sleep upright, your spirit will leave your body
This one is so popular that Nigerian movies often recreated the concept to discourage people from doing it. It’s believed that lying down upright instead of on your stomach would result in your spirit leaving your body to roam and you may or may not die as a result of it. I personally think it is one of the superstitions conjured to encourage good sleeping techniques in children and aid digestion.
46. Crossing any part of your body whilst you are being delivered from an evil spirit will hamper its effectiveness
In Nigeria, several beliefs prevail and one of these is the existence of the supernatural. The superstition is that if you are possessed and you cross any part of your body parts (fingers, hands, legs) , you are binding the spirit to you and you won’t be delivered.
47. If your right eye is itching you, someone is coming to ask you for money
The belief is that if your right eye continuously itches you, someone is probably on their way to ask for money either as a loan or a gift. With the economic situation of Nigeria today, this superstition might come in handy for a lot of people. Once your right eye starts to itch, just hide from people who would likely ask for money.
48. When the sun is out and the rain is falling simultaneously, it means a lion is giving birth
This is another weird superstition. Imagine sitting by your window, basking in the rays of sunshine streaming through it with a smile on your face. Your joy is short-lived as you notice rain droplets amidst the sunshine. If this happens in Nigeria, it is said that a lion or an elephant is currently in the process of bringing its young one to life.
49. If weed grows on the grave of a dead person, the person was evil
Imagine going to the grave of a loved one and noticing that weeds have begun to sprout on the grave. If this happens, the superstition is that the dead person was wicked or evil while he or she was alive.
50. If you step on a snail, you will get leprosy
Leprosy, is a dreaded disease both presently and thousands of years ago. The Ijaw people of Nigeria believe that anyone who steps on a snail will be inflicted with leprosy. They think that snails are unique animals that ought to be regarded.
51. Placing knives at the door drives away evil spirits
It is believed that knives placed at the door drive away evil spirits in this part of the world. Shocking right? Apparently, these knives can come to your defence and ward off evil spirits before they enter your home.
52. Rainy Wedding Day
It’s the most important day of your life and you are set to tie the knot with the love of your life. You prayed for sunny and cheerful weather, but the weather has plans of its own. In Nigeria, if it rains on your wedding day, it is a bad omen. Apparently, your marriage will be riddled with challenges.
53. Sitting on a mortar is bad luck
Another popular superstition is that a woman shouldn’t sit on top of a mortar. A mortar is used for pounding food items and should only be used for such purposes. If a woman sits on one, she will become barren.
54. When a bird poops on you
This is one of the funny superstitions that is popular in Nigeria and it goes like this, “If a bird poops on you, it’s a sign of good luck coming your way”. Good luck or not, I won’t want to be riddled with bird shit.
55. Crossing salt that has been spilt
When cooking your favourite meal and some quantity of salt mistakenly spills on the floor, it’s best to sweep it away immediately. The more it lingers, the more misfortunes you invite your way.
56. Swaying the legs when seated
Some children developed the habit of sitting or shaking their legs continuously when seated and this helped to break this habit. They were told that their good luck and fortune will fade away as they shake their legs.
57. If a mirror falls and breaks, someone in the family will die
In Nigerian culture, mirrors are believed to possess spiritual significance, serving as a gateway to the soul. When a mirror falls and breaks, it’s thought to release a family member’s soul, leading to their demise. This is one of the numerous ‘bad luck’ superstitions that may have originated from the ancient belief that mirrors held mystical powers, allowing them to capture and reveal hidden truths. Breaking a mirror is seen as a disruption of this mystical balance, resulting in grave consequences.
58. If a pregnant woman eats too much of a particular food, her child will have a strong craving for it after birth
This superstition suggests that a pregnant woman’s diet can shape her child’s preferences and cravings. Nigerians believe that if a pregnant woman consumes excessive amounts of a specific food, her child will be born with an intense desire for that food. This belief may have originated from observations of children’s eating habits mirroring their mothers’ prenatal diets. While there’s some scientific basis for this, this also highlights the cultural emphasis on maternal responsibility and the influence of a mother’s actions on her child’s life.
59. If a chicken crows in the morning and its voice sounds like a human, something bad will happen
In Nigerian culture, chickens are believed to possess spiritual insight, and their behaviour is often seen as a harbinger of events. If a chicken crows in the morning with a voice that sounds eerily human, it’s thought to signal impending doom or disaster. This superstition may have originated from the unusual and unsettling nature of a chicken’s human-like crow, which can be seen as a bad omen. The crowing of a chicken at dawn is already considered unusual, but the addition of a human-like voice is believed to amplify the ominous sign, warning of potential danger or misfortune.
60. Placing a broom upside down to reverse bad luck
This is one of the many broom superstitions that says that by turning the broom around, bad energy will be swept away. It’s like a spiritual “reset” button to clear negative vibes. Some people do this when they’ve had a string of bad days or misfortunes. By placing the broom upside down, they hope to turn their luck around and attract good energy instead.
61. Giving a baby egg to eat when they start teething prevents biting
Giving egg to a teething baby is thought to reduce the urge to bite and chew on things. The egg is believed to kill the baby’s need to bite and chew and also ease teething pain. The egg is seen as a harmless and healthy way to curtail the baby’s teething instinct. By giving eggs, parents hope to spare themselves and others from the baby’s biting and to ease the teething process.
63. Placing a broom under the bed or in a bedroom to bring peace and tranquillity
This superstition believes that the broom absorbs negative energies and calms the mind. It’s like a spiritual machine to quiet the room. Placing the broom in the bedroom brings hope to resolve conflicts and sleep soundly. The broom is believed to sweep away worries and troubles whilst promoting a restful night’s sleep.
63. Leaving your mouth open while yawning
This superstition was born out of the need to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Children are told that evil spirits will enter their bodies if they don’t cover their mouths while yawning. Also, this helped in instilling good etiquette in our young ones.
64. Never call someone by name after dark
Calling a person’s name once it gets dark is seen as a big deal in Nigeria. This is because doing so can attract evil spirits which can cause misfortune for that person. It is better to go closer and grab the person’s attention or tap his or her shoulder.
Final thoughts
Growing up in Nigeria was riddled with fun memories and experiences due to the presence of funny superstitions handed down from generation to generation. Most people took them to heart as children only to realise that they were merely superstitions as they got older. Nevertheless, they brought smiles to the faces of different adults as they reminisced about the good old days. More importantly, many of these superstitions were substitutions for the use of force or punishment to regulate a child’s conduct and prevent them from causing harm to themselves or to those around them.
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