A Look At The Maasai Tribe's Tradition Of Spitting At Each Other For Blessing And Respect

According to the tribe’s own oral history, the Maasai originated north of Lake Turkana (north-west Kenya) in the lower Nile Valley.

They began migrating south in the 15th century and arrived in the long trunk of land stretching across central Tanzania and Northern Kenya during the 17th and 18 century.

Spitting at someone in most cultures around the world is seen as rude or uncivilised but not for the Maasai people, who live in Kenya and northern Tanzania.

For these people, spitting is a sign of respect.

The Maasai spit in their palms before shaking hands which indicates giving a blessing.

This is a common practice during the Maasai weddings. On the wedding day, the bride’s head is shaved and lamb fat and oil are applied on her head. The father of the bride then blesses his daughter by spitting on her forehead and breasts.

Spitting among the Maasai is basically seen as a cultural norm although many anthropologists have condemned it for the tendency of disease spread

Parents, friends, and family members spit on newborn babies in order to wish them good luck and a long life.

It is documented that during Maasai weddings, a father blesses his daughter by spitting on her forehead and breasts.

Spitting among the Maasai, who often lead a semi-nomadic life, is seen as a cultural norm although many anthropologists have condemned it as there is the tendency to spread diseases throughout the tribe.

Maasai measure wealth by the number of cattle, so people without cattle are considered poor. Maasai did not have villages with permanent buildings. Instead, they constructed a “enkang” (corral) for a group of families.

The enkang is a circle of huts, one per family, enclosed by a circular fence of thorn bushes.

The Maasai have a distinctive fashion style. They are often dressed in red sheets, also known as shuka. This is wrapped around their bodies with lots of beads and jewelry around their arms and neck.

Maasai beads from the Samburu Tribe.

They also have vast grazing lands and terrains which easily sustain their nomadic way of life. They depend on large herds of cattle as their source of food and wealth.

Most of them practice this nomadic pastoralism while others make a living in the tourism sector, showcasing their culture to tourists.

Presently, they occupy a much smaller area in the Kajiado and Narok districts as their vast territory has been claimed by some of Kenya’s game reserves.

The Maasai is one of the most unique tribes in Africa for its well-preserved culture.