Some South African superstitions are unique to this country, while others are found in many other places. Many superstitions, passed down through generations as explanations for life’s mysteries or warnings to keep people safe.
From an anthropological point of view, superstitions are part of a society’s “cultural toolkit” — symbolic ways of coping with uncertainty, danger, or the unexplained. Psychologists also note that superstitions can provide a sense of control and comfort, even when there is no causal link between the belief and the outcome.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common South African superstitions — and what really lies behind them.
The Tokoloshe
The tokoloshe is said to be a small, malevolent spirit that attacks people in their sleep. Beds are often raised on bricks to keep it away.
The science: This may have been a cultural way of explaining sleep paralysis — a phenomenon where a person wakes but cannot move and may sense a threatening presence. Raising beds also had a practical purpose: keeping away damp, insects and snakes. Anthropologists see this as a typical example of how folklore “explains” frightening but natural experiences.
Owls as Omens
Owls are often thought to bring death or bad luck if they cry near a home.
The science: Owls are nocturnal hunters, so their sudden calls in the dark can trigger fear. Psychologists explain this as the negativity bias — humans are more likely to interpret ambiguous events as threatening. Ecologically, owls play a vital role in controlling rodent populations.
Lightning and Witchcraft
Lightning strikes are sometimes seen as acts of witchcraft.
The science: South Africa experiences some of the highest lightning strike rates in the world. Anthropology suggests that attributing natural disasters to witchcraft gave people a sense of agency in unpredictable environments. Modern meteorology shows lightning is a natural electrical discharge — dangerous, but entirely explainable.
Whistling at Night
Whistling after dark is believed to attract snakes or spirits.
The science: Snakes do not respond to airborne sounds but to ground vibrations. This superstition likely functioned as a social control, discouraging loud or disruptive behaviour at night. Anthropologists note that many cultural taboos around night-time are rooted in promoting community harmony and safety.
Dreams of Teeth Falling Out
Many believe such dreams mean a loved one will die.
The science: Psychologists classify this as a universal dream theme tied to anxiety, stress, or fears of ageing and loss. Rather than predicting the future, dreams reflect the brain’s attempt to process emotional concerns.
Pregnancy Taboos
Pregnant women are warned not to wear necklaces or scarves, or the umbilical cord might strangle the baby.
The science: There is no connection between clothing and the umbilical cord. Anthropologists suggest such taboos served to regulate behaviour and reduce risks — for instance, avoiding heavy adornments that could injure or restrict a pregnant woman.
The Sangoma’s Protection
Charms and rituals from a sangoma are believed to protect against curses.
The science: Psychologists highlight the placebo effect: rituals can reduce stress and increase feelings of safety, which indirectly supports health. Anthropologically, consulting a healer reinforces cultural identity and community trust, even when there is no physical mechanism at work.
Black Cats
A black cat crossing your path is often seen as unlucky.
The science: This idea came from European folklore, linking cats with witches. Psychology explains this through confirmation bias — when people already expect bad luck, they are more likely to “see” it after an encounter with a black cat. In other cultures, however, black cats are seen as symbols of prosperity.
Ignoring Ancestors’ Calls
Dreams or visions of ancestors are believed to be messages that bring misfortune if ignored.
The science: Dreams often reflect memory and emotion. From a psychological standpoint, guilt for disregarding cultural tradition may increase stress, creating the impression that misfortune follows. Anthropology frames this as a way of reinforcing respect for elders and continuity with past generations.
Children After Dark
Children are discouraged from going outside at night for fear of spirits.
The science: The real dangers were predators, accidents, or cold exposure in rural settings. Framing these dangers as “spirits” ensured obedience and safety. Psychologists describe this as protective superstition, a belief that indirectly encourages safe behaviour.
Sweeping at Night
It’s said that sweeping after dark sweeps away fortune.
The science: Before electricity, sweeping at night meant risking the loss of small items like coins. Anthropologists view this as a “practical superstition” — a cultural rule that safeguarded resources under the guise of mystical consequence.
Tradition Meets Reason
Superstitions are not merely irrational beliefs — they are cultural artefacts that reveal how communities have historically coped with fear, uncertainty, and danger. From a psychological point of view, they reduce anxiety and offer comfort. From an anthropological perspective, they strengthen social cohesion and transmit survival strategies across generations.
Today, science allows us to understand the natural causes behind these age-old beliefs. Yet they remain part of South Africa’s rich cultural fabric, reminding us that human beings have always sought meaning — and safety — in the face of the unknown.
The SA Secular Society supports the use of science in debunking superstition. Read other articles on critical thinking, science and reason on the SASS website.