2,030 Abibisika (Black Gold) Points

Rank: Unranked Obibini

Prior to the introduction of Christianity, the Luo spiritual beliefs was (and is still) centered on the sun, the moon as well as their ancestors. They considered the sun “chieng” a representation of supernatural power. The sun was a creation/symbol of “Nyasaye”. When someone was in need of good luck, he would wake up very early to sit in a spot where he could watch the sun rise.

Most times he would bring a little offering (food) and when he sees the sun, he would talk to it. If he was a “jadwar” (hunter), he might say “I am going hunting today, so please bless my spear.” A herdsman might say “let me find some good pasture for my cattle.” In other words, for whatever he needs to do he will always ask the sun.

Also within African spirituality “spitting” is considered sacred and in regards to the Luo they believe that spitting is a sacred act. The man for example would take the piece of food, spit on it and throw it towards the sun. This to him in their spiritual belief system is a form of communication – the best, most sincere, wholehearted communication. Once this is done he has successfully communicated with Nyasaye and good luck is supposed to come his way.