This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Friday the 13th: A Day of Bad Luck? ¶
Published on September 13, 2019, this article explores the fascinating world of Kenyan superstitions.
Friday the 13th is a day often associated with bad luck, but in Kenya, superstitions are a way of life. From the fear of the number 13 to the belief that owls are a bad omen, here are 13 bizarre Kenyan superstitions to mull over.
Some of these superstitions are rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage, while others are simply a product of folklore and tradition. Whatever their origin, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of Kenyans.
- When you are in a room with a group of people and you mention someone, and that person a few seconds later walks in, it is believed they will have a longer life to live – Somali Superstition.
- When your right eye twitches, it means you will see someone you haven't seen in a long time – Somali Superstition.
- When your left palm itches, it means money will come in, while when your right palm itches, it means you will give out money – Somali superstition.
- If you sweep your house at night, it means you are chasing away your blessings – Luhya superstition.
- If someone dies in Luhya culture, it is believed they must have their last walk, doing the things they used to like when they were still alive, in order to appease their spirits.
- If you come across a cat while walking, you must turn back and go back home, or else risk bad omen – Kikuyu superstition.
- If you circle a Mugumo tree seven times, you will automatically change your gender from being a man to a woman and vice versa – Kikuyu superstition.
- In Kikuyu tribe, it is believed that if someone cuts down a Mugumo tree, they will instantly attract bad omen, while if a Mugumo tree naturally falls down, it portends a change of leadership.
- If fireflies enter your house at night, you will soon have visitors – Kipsigis superstition.
- 10 is considered a bad luck number in Kikuyu community, so members of the community never utter the number even when counting. Instead, they say 9 full, and while paying dowry, it is a big no to ever take any item in tens.
- If you look at yourself in the mirror at night, you will attract bad luck – Rabai superstition.
- If you run to your house in the evening when the house is setting, you will run mad – Swahili superstition.
- If you beat a girl/woman with a broom, they will lack dowry – Swahili superstition.
