There are so many things that are forbidden in Igbo culture and tradition. Knowing things that are forbidden in Igbo culture and tradition protect people of a given community from the fury of gods.
10 Taboos in Igbo Culture and Tradition
- Igbo culture and tradition #1 Killing/eating of the eke (python)
In Delta State and Igboland, Pythons are commonly sacred in Igboland and must not be killed or eaten. Pythons are believed to be the reincarnation of forefathers. Killing a python in Igbo culture and tradition is like killing one’s own father. This draws the ire of the gods. killing or catching a python mistakenly in one’s trap involves the animal be buried with all the lamentations of a departed being. Quails, snails, dogs, and some other animals are also not eaten in certain parts.
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- Igbo culture and tradition #2 Committing adultery is taboo
Fornication is much worse if a married woman involves in adultery, and both the elders of the land and the deities forbid this. It is presumed that a woman can go insane for adultery, and a man must not eat the food cooked by his wife if he finds she has engaged in adultery – or he might be a participant of her penalty from the gods.
- Igbo culture and tradition #3 Suicide or killing of oneself
Committing suicide is forbidden in Igboland, and is frowned by both man and gods. As a result of this, people that killed themselves will never be buried within the community. The body of this people are cursed and must never be buried in the land, but inside the outlawed forest or outside the town to avert such evils from befalling others in the community.
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- Igbo culture and tradition #4 A woman blessing the kola nut
This is considered a blessed nut in Igbo culture and tradition and must never be broken or shared by a woman. It must only be broken, blessed, and shared by a man because “he that giveth kola, giveth life,” but never by a woman.
- Igbo culture and tradition #5 Committing incest
It is a taboo to commit incest. This is frowned upon by everyone in the community and must never be tried by anyone. In order to avoid serious consequences according to the elders of the land.
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- Igbo culture and tradition #6 Using the left hand
Using the left hand to do anything is being seen as a taboo in Igbo culture and tradition. Even when the individual may be left-handed. A left-handed individual must know how to make use of the right hand in eating, writing, giving and accepting things. Elders consider the use of the left hand as something disrespectful and unfortunate.
- Igbo culture and tradition #7 Unblessed marriage union
Cohabitation is seen as a taboo. This is most practiced whereby a woman to live stays with a man without the appropriate marriage rites. A reputable man is expected to pay the dowry or bride-price of his wife before they can live together.
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- Igbo culture and tradition #8 Marrying an Osu
An Osu is an outcast within the caste system, and marrying outcast is considered a taboo that must never be done. An Osu or outcast is considered the property of the gods or slave and descendant of slaves and must never be offered or taken for marriage.
- Igbo culture and tradition #9 Whistling in the night
It is forbidden to whistle in the night because this act is can lure snakes into the home, and also fascinate evil spirits that roam at night. Whistling in the night is highly discouraged and forbidden and must never be tried in Igboland.
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- Igbo culture and tradition #10 Causing the fall of an elder
When an elder falls from his seat is considered a taboo, and the offender must kill a goat for ritual or he may never grow to the present age of the age. A goat or any other prescribed item must be provided to cleanse the land and atone for the offender.
