I have decided to answer all questions posed to Hivers in @crossculture by the amiable @selfhelp4trolls. The questions and answers go thus. I will be answering from the Nigerian cultural perspective. I do love animals as they serve several purposes to humankind.
- Do you like animals? Why or why not?
Animal have become a part of humans whether we like it or not. So, it's left for an individual to either like or not like animals. But I do love like animals because they are a great companion of a human being. For instance, dogs provide unconditional love and security to our homes. Although I am not a fan of dangerous animals like snakes, crocodile, scorpions and so on. - Do you have or have you ever had a pet?
Nah, I have never owned a pet personally, but I lived with someone who had a cute little dog, that we just fell in love with helplessly. But I enjoyed the advantage because most times I was always at home and honestly, the dog keeps my company. Thus, Pets offer companionship and manage loneliness. - Are animals respected or looked down upon in your culture?
I wouldn't say my country Nigeria has the best animal welfare, but the government and certain private organizations are trying so hard to protect the wildlife in Nigeria. Certain advertisements and educational TV programs are in place to tackle unnecessary killing of animals and people eating them as 'bushmeat'. But in my culture, dogs are so much adored and even worshipped, there are dedicated days of the year set aside to celebrate dogs in Ondo state. Dogs are commonly used for sacrifice to Ogun, the god of iron. So, during Ogun festivals, the devotees slaughter their dogs. Anytime people want to appease Ogun, they may also slaughter dogs. Those dogs are then prepared and eaten by the devotees. - What wild animals can be found where you live (or in your hometown)?
Of course, we have Guinea fowls living freely amongst humans in Nigeria. Just because You can feed them with almost everything what you can manage easily and their Commercial production is very profitable. Also, their eggs are very sweet. - Are any animals considered good luck or bad luck in your culture?
In Nigeria, animals are seen as more than just creatures. They represent something and most times it is spiritual. For example, the animals black cats, owls, vultures and bats are considered evil and spell bad omen in African culture. For instance, In Nigerian culture, black cats are mostly associated with witches, I mean you literally develop jitters when you sight one.
Well, the only animal with good luck that I am aware of in Nigeria is the dove, as this has mostly to do with Christian culture where the dove is regarded as a good and Godly sign. Still, a dove is seen as a good omen and a bird not to run away from. - Do animals have specific meanings in my culture?
The black-crowned crane is the official animal of Nigeria, endemic to the country and thought to be signs of prosperity. Two different species of black-crowned cranes live in Nigeria. - What animal do you feel most attracted or connected to?
Personally, though I don't own one but I am attracted to the Chow or Chowdren, which is a native Chinese ancient dog. I wish I can have one😁😁.
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Chow chow - What’s the most beautiful relationship you’ve seen between a human and an animal?
A beautiful relationship I witnessed between a human and an animal was breath taking, I was surprised though. It was a friend's place and their dogs kept barking at us, although we were strangers. It kept running to its owner for comfort and frequent patting on the bag, wagging it's tail joyfully. Following its owner around like no one can separate them... Waooo - What was your best experience with an animal?
I have had both good and bad experiences with animals. The bad experience was an encounter with an angry chicken, apparently, it was angry that I admired her little chicks, thinking I was trying to steal them. That was a bad day mehn, I was pursued and almost wounded by the chicken, it was a long time ago though. I really can remember good experiences.
In summary, animals are part of us. And I am glad I can relate to these questions.