Categories of Sacrifices in African Traditional Religions

As far as worship was concerned, God was worshipped in a number of ways among African peoples.  The first form of worship was the use of different categories of sacrifices (when animals were killed) and offerings (the presentation of food, animal blood or other items).  These were given to God, the spirits, and the living-dead.

The spirits and the living-dead were regarded as intermediaries between God and people, so that God was seen as the ultimate recipient.  Mbiti (1969:61, 66) goes on to list some of the expressions of worship in African societies, and indeed, these are commonly found amongst Zambian tribes.  The first one was prayer, which was the commonest act of worship.  Most prayers were addressed to God, to the living-dead or other spiritual beings, many of whom served as intermediaries.

Prayers were most likely to be made directly to God when the rain failed to come or when there was an epidemic of a particular disease.   Secondly, incorporating Gods’ name into a child’s name was also an act of worship and signified that the child had been born in answer to prayer and that the parents wanted to thank God.

In addition, it may have been because the circumstances of birth seemed to signify an attribute of God.  Thirdly, the use of proverbs was another way Africans expressed religious ideas and feelings.  Most African people like to sing and God is often worshipped through songs which are used in different situations and rituals. African beliefs were expressed through concrete concepts, attitudes and acts of worship.

categories of sacrifices

Thanks – offering

This is made in appreciation of blessings from the divinity, or in seeking his favour. It is accompanied with feasting. The worshippers and the divinity share common meal. The blessings that follow this are enormous. The requests are granted. The beneficial relationship between man and the divinity is strengthened. The occasion calls for thanks and offerings are bumper harvests, successful expeditions and when victory is won over enemies among others.

Votive Offering

The worshipper supplicates to the divinity for favour. The worshiper promises to sacrifice either his/her properties if the requests are granted. Votative offerings are accompanied by dancing, music, eating, and drinking.

Expiation Offering

This is an atonement sacrifice. It is usually offered when there is crop failure, protracted illness and sudden death, famine, plague and diseases. The worshipper undergoes self-abasement. The sacrifice is meant to ward off evils and restore divine blessings. After this sacrifice is made, the worshipper is transformed from defilement to purity.

Foundation Sacrifice

This is made at the beginning of a new venture. The sacrifice makes the business thrive. Hardly to anyone in the African society embark on anything unless the divinity invokes their blessings.

Preventive Sacrifice

It is offered to stop an impending disaster. The worshipper seeks protection through these categories of sacrifices. The worshipper is allowed to replace his life by sacrificing with specific items. The victim or items are robbed against the body of the worshiper and treated like a corpse.

Meal and Drink Offering

This type of sacrifice takes place daily but mostly it is offered with what the people eat at home. Libation is poured after the meal has been offered to the divinity and the rest is shared among the worshippers as a sacramental feast.