Popular omens/superstitions in Idoma land and their meanings

Superstition is a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief while omen on the other hand is an event regarded as a portent of good or evil.

Every tribe has its unique belief and Idoma community is not left out.

In the extant time and even now, there are beliefs and superstitions that our people have refused to let go.

Today, IDOMA VOICE takes a look at some of the popular omens/superstitions in Idoma land and their meanings.

HOOTING OWL (OGWUGWU)

An owl is a nocturnal bird of prey with large eyes, a facial disc, a hooked beak, and typically a loud hooting call. In Idoma land, when an owl hoots repeatedly close to the house, it is believed that someone in the family is about to die.

BEE SWARM (ENWU)

Bees are stinging winged insects which collect nectar and pollen, produces wax and honey, and live in large communities. They are commonly found in hollow trees.

However, when a swarm of bees relocates from the forest to a tree close to the house, it is believed to be a bad omen in Idoma land. Once this happens, someone in the community would die.

CLICKING BATS

Just like owl, it is believed that once a bat pings/clicks around the house, it is a sign that someone is about to die.

It means that the owl is renting a shroud (opa).

CORONA AROUND THE SUN (ADO)

A halo around the sun is a fairly common phenomenon. It is typically caused when there are very high, very thin clouds. These clouds, being so high in the sky, are made from ice crystals. However, in Idoma land, it is believed that once that happens, a prominent person in the community is about to die.

GHOST IN THE MARKET SQUARE (ALEKWU)

Another popular superstition in Idoma land is hot to spot a ghost in the market square. It is believed that if you dare look in between your legs in the market square, you will see apparitions walking with their heads. Nobody has ever seen that anyway.

BABY AND MIRROR

It is also believed in this part of the country that once an infant sights him/herself in the mirror, the child’s teeth will never grow.

BOIL ON EYELID (Ukpukpuweja)

A boil that occurs on the eyelid is called a stye and in Idoma land, it is believed that if it appears on the left eyelid, someone from the maternal side would die and if is on the right side, someone from the paternal side would die.

WEARING WRONG SIDE OF A CLOTH

In some parts of Idoma land and Nigeria at large, when someone mistakenly wears the wrong side of a cloth, it is believed that something good is about to come the person’s way. It means someone is about gift the person something, especially money.

THE LEFT FOOT MYSTERY

Have you ever tripped and hurt your left foot and you were on your way to do something, meet someone or attend to something? Chills run down your spine as you get a feeling of foreboding. When you fail, you remember your little accident and believe that a sign was given to you. You wish you had instead hit your right foot as it is a sign of luck.

HITTING THE TEETH

It is also believed that if you are eating and you mistakenly hit your teeth, it is a sign that hunger is lurking around the corner.

MOUSE COMING OUT AT DAYTIME

Akoto beche oleno, eche layidoma: This is a popular song among the Idoma people (West). It means, if a rabbit comes out at daytime, it is a taboo.

In Idoma land, it is believed that mice are only seen at night and if it comes out during the day, it is a bad omen. It means an aged woman/man is about to die in the community.

ITCHING OF LEFT HAND

A left palm itching can carry spiritual meaning or be related to a medical condition. There are superstitions about luck and money that relate to a hand that itches, and remedies on how to make it stop.

When your left hand’s palm itches, it can indicate you are about to come into some money.

BREAKING OF CLAY POT ON FIRE

In the extant time, women cook food using clay pots. However, when a woman is making a meal and the clay pot breaks on fire, it is believed that one of her parents or someone dear to her is about to die.

SALIVA MYSTERY

There is another superstition that whenever spit suddenly drops from your mouth, it is a sign that you are about to eat enough meat.

GRAND SQUIRREL MYSTERY

Okwuleje (grand squirrels) are members of the squirrel family of rodents, which generally live on or in the ground, rather than trees.

It is also believed that if you are working towards a goal or outcome and have been wondering about the meaning of squirrel crossing your path, then the squirrel is trying to tell you not to give up.