Growing up as an African child you  must have heard from adults "dont do this ~  it is a taboo. From mothers to grandmothers, aunts, immediate relatives even neighbours warned us.. I  agree some of them do have wisdom behind it.
Another issues common in Africa is superstition and DONT ASK syndrome.
When I was 4 years old, I asked my mother how I came to life, she hesitated (now I know why, it  must be a taboo). When I became persistent she told me, "I went to the ocean and I ask God for a baby and big wave came and brought you",she even went and told I did the same to your sibllings. Ofcourse I believed. When my daughter asked me the same question I didnt know what to say as it is a delicate matter. She was 7 years old and in grade 4. I decided to tell the same story. She said " No mummy",  I know how  I came to existence. She started to explain, an egg and sperm which had joined together grew in mothers body. It takes nine months from a single cell to a baby. When the baby is ready to be born mothers push the baby out into the world.  I was embarrased!!
I ask her how did u know??  She told , I read in my Childcraft book. I went and I took 'Your Body section series'  and found  full description before conception to delivery. Mothers beware!! this is the time to tell the truth and leave those taboos behind, it is outdated. When I was approaching puberty my grandaunt told "soon a big snake will come and squueze your tummy and you may see blood on your pantie, immediately inform me" I was terrified!! When the real time arrived I was looking around scared, Oh my God!! where is the snake??
These superstitions vary from one part of Africa to the other  and how superstitionb viewed. I want you to have glimpse to some of the common ones while I was growing up.

1. Dont look at naked women you will become blind, if it is true half of the world population would be blind(laughs) with pornography everywhere easily available on internet,TVs, DVDs, CDs and Cassetes
2. If you have a sty in your eye it means you have laughed at your mother-in-law.
3. A pregnant woman shouldnt eat eggs, baby will be born bald, how they deprieved expectant mothers protein for their growing babies!!
4. Dont keep shoes soles facing up, You are insulting God.
5. Dont try one shoe your breast will swell.
6. Dont eat direct from pot or saucepan, it will rain heavily on your wedding day. I loved to lick frying pan when my mother made omelet, and it didnt rain on my wedding day.
7. A boy shouldnt weave the wild grass(ukili) into a strip which mat is made , he will become impotent.
8. Dont look on the mirror you will find yourself on the seashore. (where is the magic carpet to take some one there.)
I am happy now knowledge is replacing all these fictional believes. African children are growing  learning latest technology though still in some parts  taboos, superstition,myth and witchcraft still do exist. 


TELL ME WHAT ARE THE SUPERSTITIONS IN YOUR CULTURE, I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW.