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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Superstitions Are a Form of Insurance

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Seemingly mundane tasks like using a broom becomes dangerous according to Nigerian superstitions.

Superstitions are like a form of insurance, treated with a special kind of reverence in Nigeria. Even though the true meaning of superstitions might have been lost over time, they persist just because they have been around for so long. 

It's rare to find someone, even if they're logical and level-headed, who doesn't hold onto some sort of superstition. Many believe deeply that breaking a certain rule will bring bad luck or evil.

Superstitions are not tied to any specific social class. When we compare how different groups of society think, we often criticize one group for their strange ideas and imaginative beliefs without realizing that the other group holds onto similar beliefs in a more hidden way.

We have to admit that superstitions are a unique part of human nature. These superstitious beliefs and practices have not appeared overnight; they have been passed down through generations in stories, songs, sayings, and proverbs. As a result, they've become so deeply woven into everyday life that it's not easy to get rid of them.

sweeping broom in west africa

Seven broom signs and omens in many Nigerian houses.

1. Sweeping under a baby's feet will cause them to become lazy. 

2. A broom hung over the door, that house is said to be clean, and no bad sickness can come in.

3. You should never sweep the room while the child is asleep because you will sweep their soul away.

4. If you kill a gecko, a wall gecko, or a slippery house lizard in your home with a broom or any other household item, the home will collapse, and everyone in the house will die.

5. Hitting a man with a broom will make him impotent or make his genitals fall off, but for the man to reverse the curse, he must hit the woman with the broom seven times.

6. Sweeping after dark, even a few strokes, and you are dooming your household to bad luck, even death. 

7. If you happen to brush a broom against someone's feet, including your own, the person affected will quickly flee or run away.

Following Superstitions is a Form of Insurance

Broom superstitions find their roots deep in Nigerian cultural heritage where they have been nurtured and passed down as a part of a community's collective wisdom and practices. These beliefs become intertwined with the fabric of daily life, representing a connection to the past, ancestors, and the traditions that have shaped culture.

While these Nigerian broom superstitions may not always have a clear or rational basis that aligns with modern understanding, people who adhere to them do so with a deep respect for the wisdom and experiences of their ancestors. The belief in superstitions serve as a way to honor and preserve the customs and beliefs of Nigerians that have been valued for centuries.

The desire to avoid potential harm plays a significant role in perpetuating superstitions in Nigeria and throughout the world. Even though there might not be a logical explanation for how or why a certain action could lead to harm, the fear of the unknown and the unpredictable outcomes can be strong motivators. 

Following superstitions becomes a form of insurance, a way to mitigate risk and protect oneself, one's family, and the community from potential negative consequences.

The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.