10 Common Nigerian Myths and the Scientific Truth Behind Them
Nigeria is a country with diverse ethnic groups and rich traditions. Along with this cultural diversity comes a wealth of myths and taboos that have been passed down for centuries. While many of these beliefs served to teach morals or protect resources, science often provides a different explanation. In this article, we’ll explore 10 popular Nigerian myths and reveal the scientific truths behind them.
1. Eating Twin Bananas Causes Twin Births
The Myth: If a woman eats a banana that has two joined parts, she will give birth to twins.
The Science: Twin births are influenced by genetics, age, and sometimes fertility treatments—not by eating bananas. This myth likely arose because Nigeria, especially the Yoruba people, has one of the highest twin birth rates in the world.
2. Whistling at Night Invites Evil Spirits
The Myth: Whistling at night attracts spirits and invites misfortune.
The Science: Whistling is harmless. This myth may have been used to discourage children from making noise late at night, when people were resting or fearful of intruders.
3. A Pregnant Woman Must Not Tie a Wrapper Around Her Neck
The Myth: If a pregnant woman ties her wrapper around her neck, her child will be stillborn.
The Science: There is no medical link between tying wrappers and childbirth outcomes. The belief may have been a way to prevent women from tightening clothing that could cause discomfort.
4. Children Who Eat Chicken Feet Will Become Thieves
The Myth: Eating chicken feet makes children steal.
The Science: Chicken feet are simply food, rich in collagen. The myth likely started to stop children from eating parts of the chicken that adults valued.
5. Sweeping at Night Drives Away Wealth
The Myth: If you sweep at night, you sweep away your blessings and money.
The Science: Wealth cannot be swept away. The real reason behind this myth is that in homes with poor lighting, valuables could accidentally be thrown out at night.
6. Picking Money on the Ground Brings Bad Luck
The Myth: Money found on the ground is cursed by witches.
The Science: While there is no curse, the real danger could be ritual scams (placing “juju” with money) or simply germs on dirty notes.
7. Eating Mango and Drinking Garri (Cassava Flakes) Will Kill You
The Myth: Combining mango with garri leads to instant death.
The Science: Both mango and garri are safe to eat together. The myth likely started because garri prepared with dirty water could cause stomach upset, and mango may have been blamed.
8. Owls Are Symbols of Death and Witchcraft
The Myth: Seeing an owl means someone will die or witches are nearby.
The Science: Owls are nocturnal birds whose calls can sound eerie, especially at night. In reality, they help control rodent populations.
9. A Child Whose First Tooth Comes from the Upper Jaw Is Evil
The Myth: Babies whose first teeth appear on the upper gum bring bad luck or death.
The Science: Tooth eruption order varies among children and has no spiritual implications. This myth may have caused needless fear in some communities.
10. Eating Okra Makes You Talk Too Much
The Myth: People believe that eating okra makes someone overly talkative.
The Science: Okra has no effect on speech. It is a healthy vegetable, rich in fiber and vitamins. The myth may have been a humorous way of warning against overeating it.
Nigerian myths are a fascinating part of cultural heritage, but science helps us separate fact from fiction. While these beliefs often carried hidden lessons about morality, hygiene, or caution, understanding their origins allows us to preserve the culture without falling for misinformation.