Why do ''we'' link nocturnal creatures with evil and enemies in disguise?

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It is not an uncommon place to attach certain creatures as enemies particularly in this part of the world. Cockroaches, wall geckos, rats, mosquitoes and other nocturnal creatures are considered evil and enemies in disguise.


Watching a video on YouTube, I laughed at the whole concept because it was not far from reality.

The video drew the disparity between three geographical regions- Britain, America and Africa. A white man would fret when he sees the above-named creatures and possibly seek alternative by relocating to an area that is more conducive and friendly; devoid of such creatures. However, a Nigerian, in the same scenario, would not waste money relocating rather he would invoke curses on the creatures. He would even go as far as linking the creatures to people suspected to be his enemies; probably one Aunty/Uncle in the village, an annoying neighbour or landlord/landlady e.t.c. All of them considered to be principalities or enemies of progress. The Nigerian, after sighting the creature, let's say cockroach, would call the names he/she thinks   the creature is representing and starting spilling the blood of Jesus or anointing oil.

I think most women are major culprits because of our intuitive ability. We can always sense danger and smell trouble from far and near. Most times, men are logical. They would not want to jump into conclusions but try to be objective in their analysis of situations. The men, on citing the nocturnal beings would not fret but rather use the scientific explanation to back the occurrence of these creatures. However, a woman would not take it lightly, she would claim that her enemies are after her or they came to attack her.

Some people dread cats too. In some places, cats are wonderful pets to have. However, some believe cats are diabolic and bring bad omen. Another creature that might be of concern is bats. The day I saw a bat, I  got quite spiritual and called on the name of Jesus to save me sharp sharp . It left me wondering who I offended. Don't blame me, right fro,m childhood, the cartoons and movies I watched made me  believe that vampires and Draculas were bats and were evil. What do you expect?
 

The other day, l got gisting with a friend, whose family moved from the city centre to the rural suburbs. The new area was still developing and lacked the hustle and bustle of city life. She was still learning to adjust to the new neighbourhood. We bumped into each other on our way back from work in a commercial bus and then we got gisting. From academics to relationships to latest gossips then it shifted to her new neighbourhood. She told me she was still trying to get grips with her new area. Then, she recalled how one night she went to outside their house to get some fresh air and lo and behold!  What did she see out there? She saw an owl relaxing on the top of  roof of her house.

Her first impulse was to shout '' Blood of Jesus''then she ran inside and drew the attention of other family members. While her dad was saying that they should keep calm that owls are night creatures and are harmless. Her mother went into the '' Holy ghost'' mood to start scabbashing before looking for stones to aim at the owl. As she threw stones at the owl, she was shouting '' Blood of Jesus'' '' Holy Ghost fire'' '' Back to the sender ''

That's how the owl flew away but it didn't end there. It was serious prayer sessions after that encounter. Her dad was still skeptical that his wife was blowing things out of proportion but his wife tries to make him understand that the enemy is on the prowl looking for whom to devour. Our belief about certain creatures has also been shaped by Nollywood. It is usually the wicked step mother/uncle/aunty/sister/brother that turns to bird and all that. So how we suppose to not link these creatures with evil?  How won't we think that when such creatures appear in real life that they hold negative connotations or bad luck.

Truth is, one has to be on guard always lest one falls victim. Even the Holy book says we should watch and pray. Personally, I believe anything that linked to darkness is evil: cockroaches, mosquitoes, wall geckos etc. The creeper they are, the more evil they carry. That does not mean, I am giving them power instead I would invest in insecticides, keep my house and surroundings clean ....possibly do all I can, to not harbour them in anyway, I would also pray for protection because you never can tell ooo.

What do you think? Are these mere superstitions or  the creatures are just following their life cycle or they are actually evil agents? Please share your thoughts....