Hasnain Cheema
Have you ever seen West African dance with big cone-shaped masks and colored costumes on different social media platforms? This traditional dance is known as Zangbeto Voodoo (night watchmen or guardian of the night) at the heart of Benin’s hypnotizing world. Therefore, Zangbeto seems like a secret magic that keeps Benin people safe and happy. In this article, we’ll discover the mystery behind Zangbeto, learn about its role play for spirit believers, and the exciting dancing ceremony where it comes to perform.
So without any further ado, let’s dive into the magic of Zangbeto!
What is Zangbeto?
In some specific spots of Nigeria and the West African religious tradition Benin, Zangbeto is known for its traditional Voodoo aka Night Watchmen who were unique costumes which is made with raffia and palm fronds. These costume helps to hide the identity of the wearing person.
Originally, since the past when the rule of law was not established in Benin, Zangbeto was the policeman who protect the street at night and discover hidden thieves and witches in Benin.
After that when Rules of the law were established near the small village of Ouidh, Benin, the local peoples create multiple effigies with big-con shaped masks and colored costumes to scare their enemies. Now peoples believe that when someone brings a costume and were a mask they bring happiness and peace to them.
Moreover, this mask and outfit spirit become a part of Benin tradition for a long time. They also believe that Zangbeto has some superpowers. In addition, they conduct a dancing ceremony for the visitors and collect money after the show. This ceremony sometimes performs under the sky full of stars and sometimes in the daytime. So if you ever go to visit Benin, keep an eye on Zangbeto when they move gracefully on the music.
Who’s Inside the Zangbeto?
Everyone wants to know the mystery behind the mask, we’ll this topic still under discussion. Because no one knows about that person except some people in the community.
Therefore, as you have seen multiple Zangbeto are performing the dance and every mask person has a different name. These persons are part of a special community group, these groups known as secret clubs. They learn dance moves for special events.
However, as nobody knows who’s inside the costume, it’s like a hidden game for people. They believe that choosing a Zangbeto dancer is an honorable thing. They just keep people happy with their dance moves.
Zangbeto Myths and Cultural Believe
Certainly! In Benin Zangbeto Myths are imaginary stories that peoples tell to everyone for showing their religion Powers and magic. All of these myth helps the local peoples understands the cultural importance that is related to this empty dancing structure. Here are some myths about them:
1. Powerful Guardian Spirits:
For a long time, they believe that their guardian spirits come back and were the costume and protect them at night from harm. Therefore, they said spirits have magical abilities and power that keep them safe and secure from night thieves and witches.
2. Spirits have wisdom and Strength:
They said Zangbeto spirits have wisdom and strength which can predict danger before any trouble. Therefore, in honor of this myth, they made some hidden costumes with cone-shaped that can cover a normal person without showing anyone.
3. Dancing Ceremony Blessings:
Over time, people start to wear Zangbeto costumes and dance in different ceremonies and festivals. They believe in this myth, dancing with wearing Zangbeto costumes can protect them from bad spirits and bless them with protecting powers.
4. Culture Celebration:
The festival celebration reminds them of the importance of their culture and unity. These festivals provide an event of get-together celebration chance and help to strong their bounds. Moreover, they said these communities and festivals maintain their village’s security and strong relationship bounding.
5. Zangbeto as a Detective:
They believe that when something bad happens, Zangbeto talks with their leader. Moreover, it helps them to find missing and hidden things even from the river.
Overall, these above myths show, how peoples understand the importance of their culture and religion. As well as there with the help of these spiritual myths they bring together.
Is Zangbeto Real or Fake?
Logically, they believe in Zangbeto for a long time and consider as a real part of their culture in Benin. They consider some spiritual powers to protect them at night from harm, thieves, danger, and bad luck.
So we cannot ask if it is fake; it’s a cultural belief that passes from generation to generation. Peoples celebrate their culture as dressed up like Zangbeto and presenting their guardian spirits and Protection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is the story of Zangbeto?
Originally, since the past when the rule of law was not established in Benin, Zangbeto was the policeman who protect the street at night and discover hidden thieves and witches in Benin. After that when Rules of the law were established near the small village of Ouidh, Benin, the local peoples create multiple effigies with big-con shaped masks and colored costumes to scare their enemies. Now peoples believe that when someone brings a costume and were a mask they bring happiness and peace to them.
Q. What is Zangbeto in Africa?
In some specific spots of Nigeria and the West African religious tradition Benin, Zangbeto is known for its traditional Voodoo aka Night Watchmen who were unique costumes which is made with raffia and palm fronds. These costume helps to hide the identity of the wearing person.
Q. What is the Purpose behind Zangbeto?
Logically, they believe in Zangbeto for a long time and consider as a real part of their culture in Benin. They consider some spiritual powers to protect them at night from harm, thieves, danger, and bad luck.
Q. Is Zangbeto Celebration have fixed Dates?
Yes! In July Zangbeto celebrate as a tradition that is known as Voodoo from the Benin and Nigeria culture Yoruba. It is annually celebrated in local communities.
Conclusion
Zangbeto stands as a culture in the heart of Benin, West Africa. Their myths and beliefs teach the whole community about unity and the strength of tradition. Therefore, this mask and outfit spirit become a part of Benin tradition for a long time.
They also believe that it has some superpowers. In addition, they conduct a dancing ceremony for the visitors and collect money after the show. This ceremony sometimes performs under the sky full of stars and sometimes in the daytime. So if you ever go to visit Benin, keep an eye on Zangbeto when they move gracefully on the music.
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