Chad is a country in north-central Africa and the fifth largest African country. The country takes its name from Lake Chad in the western part of the country. This desert-filled country has several regions; a desert zone in the north, the arid Sahelian belt in the centre and the fertile Sudanian Savanna in the South.
With a population of 15 million 22.4 per cent of it being urban Chad is the world’s 22nd-largest country. About 50 percent of its population are Muslims, 35 percent are Christians and the remaining 15 per cent are animists and other smaller religions.
The laws that bind Chadians are binding on tourists as well. Therefore, local traditions, customs, and laws should be held in high regard at all times. The people are generally friendly but one must make sure they do not offend some cultures or religious beliefs especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Here are customs only people from Chad can relate to:
Demons
A popular belief in the villages is that if one wishes to see demons, all they need to do is take the dirt from the corner of a dog’s eye and put it at the corner of their eye. It is believed that this will enable the person to see demons.
Husbands
In most places, if a man wishes to marry his suitor, he must subject himself to working in the fields of his future father-in-law for three years before the marriage ceremony itself is held.
Kakaki
An indigenous musical instrument, Kakaki is used by Chadians to signify power. It is a long metal trumpet that is about three to four meters long and often used in traditional ceremonies. It is native to the Hausa traditional communities and sometimes referred to as Waza.
Left hand
The left hand is considered dirty and must in no way be used to offer or accept food in no setting. Chadians believe using the left hand is disrespectful because it is used to clean oneself after using the toilet.
Sole of the foot
The sole of the foot should never be exposed to the presence of a Muslim. They believe the sole of the feet is one of the dirtiest parts of the body and exposing it clearly shows a lack of respect. That is why before Muslims pray, they wash their feet as part of ablution.
