5 African Superstitions I Grew Up Believing — And What They Really Mean

Growing up in an African household means you don’t just inherit your family name—you inherit their beliefs, taboos, myths, and stories. Some of them are heartwarming. Others are downright terrifying. But one thing is for sure: they shape the way you see the world.

Before I could even read or write, I already knew not to whistle at night, not to sweep after dark, and not to point at a rainbow. Why? “Because bad things will happen,” I was told.

As I grew older, I started to question these sayings. Were they real? Were they symbolic? Or were they just creative parenting hacks? Here's a breakdown of five superstitions I believed growing up—and what I’ve learned they might actually mean.

1. Whistling at Night Attracts Evil Spirits

What I was told:

“If you whistle at night, you’re calling the spirits. They’ll follow you home and torment you.”

What it really means:

This one used to freak me out. I remember whistling once while walking home and then sprinting the rest of the way like I was being chased by invisible ghosts. But now, I think the meaning is more practical than spiritual.

In rural areas or villages, people discouraged whistling at night because:

It could alert animals or intruders.

It was seen as disrespectful during the quiet hours of rest.

Or it could genuinely scare others.

So maybe it wasn’t about spirits—it was about safety, peace, and silence.

2. If You Sweep at Night, You’ll Sweep Away Your Blessings

What I was told:

“Never sweep the house at night, or you’ll sweep out your good luck and money.”

What it really means:

This superstition was taken very seriously in my grandmother’s house. If you even touched a broom after sunset, you were already in trouble.

Digging deeper, it makes sense:

In the old days, homes didn’t have electricity. Sweeping in low light meant you could accidentally sweep out important items—like coins, earrings, or keys. So it became a symbolic way to say, “Don’t be careless with your resources.”

It’s less about spiritual blessings, more about protecting what you already have.

3. Don’t Point at a Rainbow — Your Finger Will Rot

What I was told:

“Never point at a rainbow. If you do, your finger will swell or rot.”

What it really means:

This one made me stare at rainbows with my hands locked behind my back. Why would nature punish me for admiring it?

Turns out, this superstition might come from cultural reverence for nature. In many African traditions, rainbows are seen as sacred, divine bridges, or signs from ancestors or gods. Pointing at one was considered disrespectful—like mocking a miracle.

Saying “your finger will rot” was probably just a way to ensure kids didn’t grow up disrespecting sacred natural signs.

4. If Your Eye Twitches, Something Bad (or Good) Is About to Happen

What I was told:

“If your left eye twitches, bad luck is coming. If it’s the right eye, expect good news.”

What it really means:

This was one of those body-based omens that could either excite or terrify you, depending on which eye was acting up.

But eye twitching (medically known as myokymia) has several real-world explanations:

Stress

Lack of sleep

Caffeine overload

Eye strain

In the absence of scientific knowledge, people often interpreted strange body sensations as signs from the universe. It helped them make sense of uncertainty and feel in control.

5. If Your Palm Itches, Money Is Coming

What I was told:

“Right palm itching? You’ll receive money. Left palm itching? You’ll lose money.”

What it really means:

This was the most exciting superstition of all. Anytime I had an itchy palm, I’d start mentally spending the money I hadn’t received yet. I’d daydream about new shoes, a phone, or candy.

Of course, no bank alert followed.

Still, this one served a hopeful purpose. In hard times, even small beliefs like this could keep people motivated, optimistic, and expectant.

And psychologically, if you expect abundance, you might behave in ways that invite it.

So... Are These Superstitions Useless?

Not at all.

Many African superstitions are rooted in wisdom, often passed down orally through generations to teach, protect, and guide. While the literal meanings might not hold up, their symbolic value still echoes in our lives.

They:

Taught respect (for elders, for nature, for silence).

Encouraged caution (like not sweeping out valuables).

Provided explanations in times when science wasn’t accessible.

Strengthened cultural bonds.

Final Thought

I may not fear whistling at night anymore, but I still pause when my eye twitches. I may sweep at 9 PM, but I hesitate a bit when I do. These beliefs are stitched into my upbringing, and I carry them not out of fear—but out of respect.

So, next time you hear someone mention a “silly” superstition, ask yourself—what truth might be hiding beneath that belief?

Because sometimes, ancient wisdom is just modern truth wearing traditional clothes.