Money Pox

On September 22^nd, 2017, the NAN reported that there has been suspected cases of Monkey pox disease in Nigeria. Monkey pox is an infectious disease that begins with fever, headache, muscle pains, swollen lymph node and feeling tired constantly. Overtime rash, blister and scabs being to appear all over the body. Money pox is spread if an animal bite or scratch a person, when handling bush meat, through body fluids, or being in contact with someone with the disease. Money pox look like chickenpox. 10% of people die from the infect. Smallpox is known to prevent infection and cidofovir is used to treat it. Money Pox was first identified in 1958 while experiment monkeys in labs. In 1970, the first cases of human Money Pox was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2003, the United States experience and outbreak that was spread with store bought rodents imported from Gambian.

http://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00056427.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkeypox

Nigerian University Hires Snake Charmers

After the death of a student in a university in north-west Nigeria, the university is hiring a snake charmer to get rid of the snakes. But this is not the first time a snake charmer has been hired. Suleman Kankara, the dean of students hired a snake charmer in the pass due to snake reports. Snake Charmers are common in northern part Nigeria, they normal participate in the street performance. Snake Charming is a common practice in South Asian countries. Snake Charmers play the flute to enchant the snake. They use their bare hands to handle cobras and used them in the audience. Snake Charmers are not attacked by the snakes/cobras even though they are aroused. “Special powers, charms, or medicines” are normally associated with snake charmers.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41720774

Unusual African Delicacies

Mopane:

Is a weird South African food that is full of protein. Mopane are large caterpillars that’s cooked with curry are described as a plainly delicious. Mopane worms must be de-spined and then sun dried. They are plucked from trees and brushes then the guts are squeezed out being it is boiled with ingredients like garlic and tomatoes. Mopane Worms are eaten straight out the pot or pan. People say that it tastes like chicken. Mopane Worm is eaten in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Ostrich Omelet

Another unusual delicacy is ostrich eggs. They can be weigh up to three pounds and is the equivalent to a 24 chicken eggs. Ostrich Omelet is normally eaten with families or friends and no one ever dares to eat it alone. Besides eating ostrich omelet in  South Africa the Ostrich egg is also used to cure hangovers.

Termites

In rural South Africa, termites are eaten as a main source of protein. They are healthier than popcorn or crisps, after it is slow-roasted. Termites are also placed in sandwiches.

Ox Tongue

            The Ox Tongue on average weighs 1.3 kilograms. The tongue is sliced up and fried and then placed in a sandwich. It is used to make soup and stew. 

           

https://www.travelground.com/blog/strange-african-delicacies

https://www.i-to-i.com/tefl-blog/teaching-english-africa/top-5-most-interesting-foods-in-south-africa/

Traditional African Religions

                     Even though African countries have adopted Christianity, Islam and Judaism, one thing they kept one thing central their traditional religion. Traditional religion was oral rather than scriptural. They believe in “supreme creator, belief in spirits, veneration of the dead, use of magic and traditional medicine. The role of humanity is generally seen as one of harmonizing nature with the supernatural”. Their religious practice was generally ceremonial and community driven. There was music, rhythmic dance and singing. In Gabon and Cameroon, they practiced in Okuyi. Okuyi originated from Bantu ethnic group. When infant turn four months of age they are considered adolescent, there’s a huge ritual. Ceremonies “drumming or instrumental rhythms played by respected musicians (each of which is unique to a given deity or ancestor), participants embody a deity or ancestor, energy or state of mind by performing distinct ritual movements or dances which further enhance their elevated consciousness”. Spirits played a huge role in traditional religion, the ancestral connection was important. Environmental phenomena were usually intertwined with religious belief. There’s a story for each phenomena and god that causes it. Masks were important to carry out some rituals and practices. The spirts and deities were honored with sacrifices.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okuyi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_African_religions