Tanzania is a great country in East Africa, known as one of the most hospitable countries in Africa. However, you will never miss a foreign Tanzanian culture and customs. In fact, the country has made world headlines every now and then. Basically, there are various strange traditions and customs that a person can find in Tanzania. The strangest traditions in Tanzania that have always been talked about are:
1. Witchcraft
Recently, Tanzania has been singled out as the most dangerous countries for albinos. It is a destination where African faith can be deadly. Most Tanzanians believe that people with albinism can be a source of immense wealth. They argue that their body parts can bring good luck. This belief has led to massive albino deaths in the country and even in neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya. On the other hand, it should also be remembered that witches, who consider albinos to be a great source of wealth, are not safe either. They are also attacked by those who are against witchcraft. For example, up to 600 people who believed in witchcraft were killed sometime in 2011. It has also been reported that around 3,000 witches have been killed in the last 6 years
2. Belief in spirits and ancestors
Hundreds of Tanzanians believe that while offering sacrifices to ancestors and spirits, a person is obligated to enjoy security. It is believed that sacrifices can protect a person from being harmed by various evildoers. Statistics have revealed that up to 60% of Tanzanian citizens believe such sacrifices are beneficial. This belief is also common in various African countries, but the way it is performed in Tanzania makes it clear that it is a nationwide belief. Indeed, various Tanzanian scholars who believe in spirits and ancestors have been cited. The belief is spread by the need to provide protection from witches and witchcraft, which are widespread in the country.
3. Use of hands
Tanzanians have strange ideas about the use of hands. Unlike some other countries where hand use is not seriously considered, it is worth knowing some of the facts that will apply in Tanzania. For example, in Tanzanian culture, it is considered impolite to greet a person with your left hand. It shows disrespect and lack of appreciation. You will also notice that locals use their right hands when eating, as the left hand is considered unclean. These facts seem simple, but they can have different implications in Tanzania. If you are left-handed and prefer to eat with your left hand, you should be careful in Tanzania as you will be misunderstood as a bad person.
4. Take photos
First, the government considers it illegal to take photos of structures such as bridges, government buildings, and the military. While this rule may apply in different African countries, there is another strange fact about photographing in Tanzania. For example, it is recommended that you ask someone else before taking their photo. This is because the natives have many ideas about how to take their pictures. Some may even expect you to give them money before taking the pictures. Other natives like the Maasai believe that taking pictures leads to theft of their soul.
5. Funeral traditions
The culture of Tanzania is about funeral rites, mourning for the dead and also celebration of life. Funeral rites vary from one community to another, but there are different beliefs common to different tribal groups. For example, failure to provide proper burial for the dead is believed to result in disruption of the family by the deceased person. In addition, most communities believe that, depending on the crime, the person concerned should be willing to receive appropriate treatment from their ancestors. Ancestors are those individuals who died long ago. Most tribes in Tanzania also believe in life after death and therefore ancestors are buried with their belongings.
Conclusion: Culture, Practices and Beliefs in Tanzania
Tanzania has a lot to offer for anyone who wants to learn more about African culture. The country is usually visited by international scholars trying to debunk various facts underlying some of Africa’s beliefs, cultures and customs. Whatever is practiced in the country in relation to the culture of Tanzania is a representation of what is going on in various African countries that still retain those customs and cultures.