A History of Liberia: 3. Religions and Origins of Liberia

3. Religions and Origins of Liberia

According to multiple sources, there are a vast amount of religions that have been practiced in Liberia. Christianity and Islamic religions are only a few religions that have been identified as practiced religions Liberia and other nations of Africa.

Christianity

As of today in Liberia, Christianity is the largest practiced religion in this area." According to the 2008 National Census, 85.5% of Liberia's population practices Christianity."[1] The capital city Monrovia has some Christian connections or origin in it's content. The capital was originally called Christopolis. Christipolis means "the city of Christ." The name of the capital was changed to Monrovia to give honor to the 5th president which was James Monroe.[2]

Photo taken of a church in Voinjama,Liberia

Picture Source: http://www.pahte.com/images/04.09.29_Liberia._Voinjama._Mud_Town_057.12.jpg

Islamic Religion

"Isalm is currently being practiced by 20% of the population in Liberia. The large majority of Liberian Muslims are Sunni, with only a few Shi'ites, and mostly of Lebanese origin. Muslims first came to what is now called Liberia in the 11^th century. The first Christian groups did not arrive in Liberia until 1822."[3]

Photo taken of a church in Voinjama,Liberia

Picture Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Liberia#/media/File:Voinjamamosque.jpg

Secret Societies of Liberia

There are many secret societies in Liberia and two of which are the Poro and Sande Societies.

Poro Society

The Poro Society is a secret society that is only for males. The Poro society was part of the culture introduced by Mande people, migrants to the region as early as 1000 AD. The entire native population is governed by its code of laws. It primarily represents a type of fraternal society to which even infants are temporarily admitted. The ceremony for them consists of carrying them into the Poro bush and out again. In Liberia, the female equivalent of the Poro is the Sande society. [4]

Photo of Jasso Men of the Poro Society

Picture Source: http://www.thecoli.com/threads/poro-african-secret-society.285920/

Sande Society

The Sande Society is the female society version of the Poro Society. All Mende women when they reach puberty begin the initiation process into the Sande society. The goals of this secret society are to teach young women the responsibilities of adulthood. The girls are taught to be hard working and modest in their behavior, especially towards their elders. Sande influences every aspect of a Mende woman's life; it is present before birth and still present after death.[5]

Photo of Mende Women to be initiated to the Sande Society

Picture by Rebecca Busselle