There is always a list of simple things a group of people is expected to automatically learn and perfect.
The Luo tribe is not an exception, with the community too having a list of things which, though not written anywhere, are automatically expected to reflect on its people.
Here are some of them:
1. Riding a bicycle
A Luo’s lifestyle is not complete without a bicycle, with almost each and every homestead in Luo Nyanza owning at least one bicycle.
Consequently, every Luo is expected to learn and know how to use a ‘ndiga’, especially in the village where it is the main mode of transport, judging by the bushy, narrow and at times muddy roads and footpaths.
A person unable to ride a bike, especially the male, usually ends up a laughing stock, making it a big shame and forcing everyone to take bike riding tutorials.
2. Read, write and count
Education is the most important thing in Luo Nyanza and slightly more sought after than in any other part of the nation.
Luos are known to even sell their pieces of land in the event that they do not have sufficient money just to ensure that their children get enough of the white man’s wisdom.
The children, on their side, do not mind going to school barefooted and on torn uniform, as they know that the fruits of education are always sweet.
3. Whistle
Luos, apart from fishing, also keep livestock, which are no longer only herded by the male but even the female.
And known to misbehave and end up in people’s farms at times, whistling orders to the cows and goats has become one of the things each Luo must know.
In Kano plains, whistling is very important during the final days of rice farming and is used to scare destructive birds which feast on the product away.
The three are as well common in other communities.
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