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 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 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.