superstitions

Some superstitions in the tribe of Hart El Mourabitine (Tinghir,Morocco)

         In the distant past, the people of HART EL MOURABITINE (which is one of the oldest tribes in the region of Toudgha, district of Tinghir, South of Morocco (henceforth HM)) used to have some specific beliefs but now most of them do not. In other words, the most of those beliefs are extinct because of several factors: (1) Education: the most of people are now educated, and they consider those beliefs as fairy stories and superstitions. (2) Social mobility: the people move from one place to another. As a result, they have a great mixture of different cultures that lead them to

lose their native culture. (3) Mass media, in particular, TV and Internet have a tremendous influence over the people, therefore, we sometimes believe that some people have lost their identity and culture…

         Our task within this article is to mention some extinct beliefs in HM tribe:

1.     A woman who is sterile drinks lizard’s blood so that she can beget children.

2.     A woman who gives only birth to girls, and who has never given birth to a boy must look for a woman who has just begotten a boy and not a girl for the purpose of getting the placenta of that new-born boy to eat it, and that will enable her to have a boy. She must also look for a widow who has just taken off the clothes of mourning to get the white scarf that this widow puts on her head during the mourning period. This scarf is really a part of the dead’ shroud, and that’s why a woman who wants to give birth to a boy believes that it will enable her to beget a boy because the soul of the dead man will return and becomes her own boy.

3.     A person who has always nightmares puts a knife, salt, or an amulet under his pillow so as to be protected.

4.     When water is found in a new well, a cock must be slaughtered over it in order to be full of water forever.

5.     On the house's wall or roof, a dark jar, horn, or a horseshoe is put. The aim behind this action is to prevent evil eyes that may destroy the family.

6.     When the parents cut hair to their child, a heap or a line of hair must be left on his head in order to be protected from evil eyes.

7.      “tafriwin” (an amulet) which contains some verses of the holy Quran is put on the door gate. If it is stuck on the stable gate, it must be dyed with mortal remains of the cow. Its function lies in the fact that to protect people and domestic animals from poisonous insects, like snakes and scorpions

8.      Being the baby unable to protect its self from some diseases and bad spirits, its parents use various means to offer a proper protection that enable it to live safely. This means, an amulet (lharz) which includes some verses of Quran worn to its neck.  A chain which is made of the snail’s shells is also worn to its right hand.

Written by: ABDELMAJID YAQOUBY