Is sweeping in the night really a taboo or a mere rule? Find the answers here.

Having lived for quite a number or years in a traditional home in the village, it has been an experience of a kind. Taboos as we were taught from an early age are instilled to ensure discipline but some taboos were established as a result of the belief of the people. Obedience to these taboos is something I would say almost everyone who reveres authority obeys because of the consequences proclaimed to befall anyone who flouts a taboo.

Growing up in one village where at the time was dominated by traditional belief, sweeping in the night was considered a prohibited act. It was passed from the older generation I guess and I began to make some little enquiries to find out what exactly makes sweeping at night a prohibition. It was a hard thing trying to find out but some reasons were later mentioned or told which will be shared with you.

One interesting response to my question about this act from one elderly was that sweeping in the night could make one lose a treasured possession. To understand this analogy better, follow closely. Our parents in those days, had no electricity so vision in the night was a challenge but they managed with lamps and lanterns. Valuables like gold, silver etc earrings and necklaces were also cherished treasures. They believed that sweeping in the night, collecting the rubbish and throwing away all in the night can cause any valuable to get lost without any means of restoration since there was no proper form of lighting for vison in the night. I think this holds some wisdom and for households that enforce such a rule because of this, sweeping in the night is not so much a concern even if it is done.

In addition, even if one should sweep and collect the garbage in the night, it is advised that the rubbish is kept and checked the next day before discarding.

In another response, homes where traditional beliefs and practices were deeply kept, they believe in the presence of spirits in their houses most especially at night. This therefore narrates that sweeping in the night will be sweeping against the spirits which can be interpreted as disrespect for those forces they deem to be benevolent.

However, globalization has been able to erode this act if not in all villages especially where these beliefs hold. Christianity which is the way of life has also taught and delivered some thoughts and beliefs that could be said to be imprisonment.

To talk about an instance where a consequence came to anyone who flouted this rule in those days, I have not heard nor witnessed any. It is quite interesting to note some of these things as they help at time understand how certain practices get transformed over time. Learning about things like this also promote the appreciation of uniqueness in culture and making adjustments where the need be.