What the Shona believe about witchcraft — and why it’s surprising
I have to be honest, this is one topic I wish I didn’t have to discuss. But there’s no way I can talk about Shona … Read more
Beliefs & Religion
Shona indigenous religion as a way of life
Religion as a way of life: Reflections on Shona customs While having a conversation with my sister the other day, one thing became quite apparent … Read more
Religion of the Shona and ancestors
The Shona people believe in a Supreme Being, whom they call by different names. These names include Musikavanhu, Musiki, Mwari, Nyadenga, Samasimba, Samatenga, Wedenga, Musikarudzi, … Read more
5 uncommon death and funerary customs of the Shona
The Shona have a number of beliefs and practices that relate to remembering and respecting the dead. These may differ in one way or another … Read more
Indigenous religion in Zimbabwe| 5 key ‘chivanhu’ ritual festivals
Recurring cycle-based religious festivals For this story, I will refer to indigenous religion in Zimbabwe as chivanhu. This is a term used to refer to … Read more
6 things worth knowing about traditional practices when faced with a disease outbreak
The traditional values of Zimbabwean people are centered on strong family ties and hospitality. Members of a family rely on each other for support and … Read more
13 strange beliefs – from trapping death, to generational curses
Most superstitious beliefs and practices are rooted in uroyi (witchcraft). Uroyi involves the infliction of harm upon others because of jealousy, greed, revenge, or simply … Read more
14 mysteries that scream omen for the superstitious Zimbabwean
Shura noun: mysterious occurrence/ bad omen (and less often a good one) verb: symbolise or warn of bad luck (and less often good luck) plural: … Read more
5 strange death stories, spirits, and the afterlife
Premonitions Not long ago, I learned about the philosophy of Stoicism and how it can be applied to living well. In an article I read, … Read more
Mombe yemadiro| Here is one sacrificial ritual you probably never heard of
‘mombe yeumai’ was paid many years ago It has been decades since Ratidzai was married customarily and the bride price known as ‘roora’ or ‘pfuma’ … Read more