Money Rituals are a part of pseudoworld belief that the use of spells, charms and sacrifices can create wealth for individuals. Such rituals are practiced in various parts of Africa and probably other parts of the world. In Nigeria, films like 'Blood Money' have permanently imprinted money rituals and their resulting blood money as a part of the nation's discourse. Frequent news reports of the practice such as a Plateau state resident killing his friend to sell body parts for rituals and other recent reports ensure that money rituals are entrenched in the social fabric of the nation. There are even websites that track Nigerian news for stories on Money Rituals.

These money rituals obviously have their source in our 'traditional past when we worshipped the gods of our forefathers like Sango (the Yoruba god of thunder), Mbatuku (the Igbo spirit of wealth). Most Nigerians, regardless of their income level or education, have serious respect for Nigerian spirituality which sometimes meshes religions like Islam and Christianity with a devout belief in a pseudoworld of wicked and good spirits, of 'mami wata', of 'ogbanje', of sorcery and witchcraft. This traditional understanding of the spirit world is one that time has failed to conquer.

But none of this explains why money rituals remain an arguably common practice in this day and age. I have heard rumors of people using this practice successfully but will probably never be able to confirm this information. If that is indeed the case, then it would explain why the practice continues. However, this is a practice that I strongly believe should be abandoned. As important as money is in the world we live in, human life is more important and cannot be sacrificed in the quest for legal tender. Additionally, the other unspeakable acts that are sometimes a part of money rituals, such as incest and other depraved sexual acts, simply diminish the culture of hard work and ingenuity that is such a major part of the Nigerian ethos and of course, are just unimaginable.

Furthermore, I am tired of hearing statements such as,


"Nigerians will do anything for money!"
"Ah, Nigerians love money too much!"
"Them even fit kill their mama for money!"

The average Nigerian has heard one or more of such comments enough times to last him/her a lifetime. And, I believe that Nigerian movies and frequent news reports of decapitated bodies simply reinforce this unfortunate stereotype. Everyone loves money. And if Nigerians love money "too much" it is because they must work extremely hard to cater for not just their immediate family members but also their extended family and even people they don't know in some cases. That does not change the fact that some people simply want more money to show off but that does not, in any way, mean that all Nigerians simply want more money to engage in wasteful habits.



Money rituals are one practice that simply must stop. Have you heard of any supposed ritual practices? What did you hear? Also, do you know of anyone that has taken part in such practice? Why did they do it? Finally, would you engage in such a practice? If so, why? If you wouldn't engage in a money ritual, why wouldn't you?


Just curious...

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