The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between religious and mystical beliefs and health practices in the Raya community of southern Tigray. In particular, this research identified religious and other beliefs in supernatural powers and described how these beliefs explain the causation, prevention, and treatment of sickness in the study community. Primary data were collected through key informant interviews and case studies. Based on this data, the study found that the community holds numerous beliefs related to beings with supernatural powers and other elements rooted in mysticism. The study community holds that if people disrespect supernatural beings and individuals with supernatural powers, disobey them, or engage in any other behaviour that is considered inappropriate or hostile, it can bring about misfortune, including health disorders. The entities that are possessed with the supernatural powers use these powers to hurt people’s health—both voluntarily and at the behest of other people. These beliefs provide sickness aetiologies and influence the health seeking behaviour of community members, as well as their preventative behaviour and choice of therapeutic options. The religious and mystical rituals of the Raya community and their impact on health practices are suggested for further study.
Keywords: Health Practices, Raya community, Religious Beliefs, southern Tigray
