Local beliefs about 3pets/animals in Umuahia, Abia State. (Power up 100%)

Hello fur-friends, this is my entry on the above contest topic. I hope you enjoy it. I am writing from Umuahia, Abia State and the animals that have superstitious beliefs around them that I have written, are, the crow, cat and dog. Hope you enjoy reading .

1. Crows:
   

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The crow has a huge negative superstitious belief hanging around it's neck. Here in Umuahia, if a crow perches atop your roof and crows, it is believed that the angel of death is around to do his bidding. Stories abound of people who heard crows cry and subsequently, someone dies. There is a popular saying that goes thus: "a crow on the thatch, soon death lifts the latch."

It is somewhat bizzare that such superstition does not hold only in my community. Infact in many places of the world, crows are seen as bad omen. This is probably due to crows hanging around places of misery. It is said that after the bombing at Hiroshima, the city was plagued with crows which descended on the remains in the ^source

Even religion has not helped dispel this superstition because the crow is seen as a messenger of death in most denominations and something to be prayed against.

Although it is not easily seen, since it appears mostly at night and early mornings, it makes it difficult to kill. Moreover, people are scared to kill it.

2.Cats:

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The cat is a lovely pet to people who disregard any superstitions surrounding it. Here in my community, it is unusual to see one keeping cats as pets. Worst still if it's a black cat or has green eyes. Cats are believed to be easily possessed by witches. Superstition also abound of witches transforming into cats to do their bidding.

I remember growing up and the movies then had witches transforming into cats. This created fear in me that hitherto thought of having a cat as pet.

Again, the superstition does not hold only in my community. Most parts of the world also bear such superstition. I clearly remember a movie I watched 'leap year', a lady was to undertake an important trip, unfortunately, a black cat ran passed her. Everyone around her discouraged her from going that it would bring her badluck. She ignored and continued. The journey was badluck indeed. This is a Hollywood movie set in Ireland, meaning that the black cat has been earmarked for bad omens.

In Umuahia, a black cat if seen, is mostly hunted to be killed, since one believes he/she might just be killing a witch. A white cat does not suffer as worse fate as the black though.

3.Dogs:

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Dogs are not only wonderful pets but also the most loved pets worldwide. The thing is, in my community pray not to see a dog in your dream. Worst still is if it bites you. It signifies death here. A dog pursuing someone in the dream means death is in pursuit of that one. It calls for serious prayers again based on one's religious affiliation.

Dogs are also believed to see spirits. When a dog is barking persistently at night, it is believed that an unseen spirit is nearby or in that vicinity.

Again dogs in my community are believed to smell out thieves and evil people. When a dog barks at someone for no reason or makes to attack the person, it is believed that person has 'unclean hands'.

This makes the dog more respected and held in awe by people in my place.

Thanks for reading my entry. Special thanks to @focusnow for this contest.
cc @steemcurator01
@steemcurator02
@stephenkendal

I am a member of steemalive and this is my introductory post

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