Mmastodon CultureBooks first seen 18 h ago, last 15 h ago, peak #4
Zulu folklore: witches who turn into leopards
Original: Animals can change into human, or humans into animals; even today, people say it still happens: it's a favorite trick of
A passage on Zulu beliefs about shapeshifting is circulating among book readers. According to the text, witches can turn humans into animals or animals into humans, and may send creatures on evil errands. As a result, many Zulu traditionally avoid naming the leopard (ingwe) and wild cat (impaka) directly, fearing it could attract the witch's attention.
Why now: Readers of folklore and mythology content are sharing this striking example of naming taboos rooted in Zulu witchcraft beliefs.
Zulu peopleingwe (leopard)impaka (wild cat)
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 4 snapshots from 18 h ago to 15 h ago.
Evidence
- Animals can change into human, or humans into animals; even today, people say it still happens: it's a favorite trick of the most wicked witch, who can also send certain animals on horrid errands. So the Zulu don't like to use the words ingwe (leopard) and impaka (wild cat).… · ododopress@bookstodon.com · 4
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/2001287