THE SACREDNESS OF PREGNANCY IN AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY AND RITUALS
OV ERVIEW Pregnancy, in many African societies, is not merely a biological process but a deeply spiritual and sacred event that connects the expectant mother, her unborn child, the community, and the ancestral spirits. Rooted in the belief that all life is interconnected and influenced by spiritual forces, pregnancy is seen as a divine gift and a continuation of ancestral lineage. This sacred understanding is reinforced through various rituals, symbols, and practices, which ensure the well-being of both mother and child and honor the spiritual forces at work. AFRICAN SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES ON PREGNANCY 1. *The Role of Ancestors* In African spirituality, ancestors hold significant influence over the lives of the living. Pregnancy is viewed as a continuation of the ancestral line, and the child is seen as a living link to those who have passed. In many cultures, the health and success of the pregnancy are believed to depend on the ancestors' blessings. Specific rituals are per...