Kenya, Aug. 1 -- In mortuary facilities across Africa, the mortuary knocking tradition, a practice where attendants knock before opening drawers of dead bodies in the mortuary, continues to captivate and intrigue, blending respect, psychology, and cultural depth into a simple yet profound gesture.
Rooted in traditional beliefs that the dead retain a spiritual presence, this ritual, observed in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, symbolises respect for the deceased.
Beyond superstition, it serves as a psychological tool for workers navigating the emotional weight of death, offering a moment of pause to honour the dignity of those who have passed. The act of knocking before opening a mortuary door is steeped in African cultural beliefs that view death as a transition rather than an end.
In many traditional societies, such as the Yoruba in Nigeria or the Akan in Ghana, the deceased are believed to maintain a spiritual connection to the living.
Knocking, often three deliberate raps, acknowledges this presence, signalling entry into a sacred space where the dead rest. A 2025 article from The Conversation Africa notes that such rituals reflect a worldview where ancestors remain active, influencing family and community life.
This gesture ensures the living approach the deceased with reverence, not merely as clinical subjects. Psychologically, the practice offers mortuary workers a coping mechanism.
Handling bodies daily, often victims of accidents, illness, or violence, can lead to emotional burnout. Knocking provides a ritualistic pause, allowing attendants to mentally prepare before entering the mortuary's cold, sterile environment.
Dr Amara Okafor, a Lagos-based psychologist, explains, "Rituals like knocking create emotional distance, helping workers process the gravity of their role."
A 2024 study in the Journal of African Cultural Studies found that such practices reduce stress among mortuary staff by framing their work within a cultural and spiritual context, making it more humanising.
Superstition also plays a role, passed down through generations of mortuary workers. In some Nigerian mortuaries, attendants knock "just in case" spirits linger, a practice rooted in oral traditions rather than formal training.
Stories shared on Reddit's r/AfricanHistory describe attendants hearing unexplained noises, reinforcing the habit even among sceptics. Yet, beyond folklore, the act reflects a broader cultural value: respect for the deceased as individuals who once held significance to families and communities.
This aligns with African philosophies, like ubuntu, which emphasise humanity and interconnectedness, even in death. The mortuary knocking tradition also highlights the intersection of science and spirituality. Mortuaries, as clinical spaces, contrast with the cultural rituals performed within them.
Knocking bridges this gap, ensuring that modern practices like autopsies or body preservation coexist with traditional values. In Ghana, for instance, mortuary attendants often combine knocking with prayers or libations, as noted in a 2025 BBC Africa report, to honour the deceased before procedures.
This blend of ritual and routine shows the belief that how the living treat the dead reflects societal values. Users share stories of mortuary workers knocking to "alert the spirits", sparking debates about superstition versus respect.
Some argue the practice is outdated in modern medical settings, while others see it as a vital link to cultural heritage.
A viral TikTok video from a Johannesburg mortuary worker, explaining the ritual as a "moment to honour the soul", garnered 2 million views, reflecting global fascination with this African tradition. Critics, however, question its relevance in urbanised, tech-driven societies.
A 2025 Medium post argued that knocking could delay emergency procedures, though proponents counter that the brief pause has no practical impact.
The practice's persistence, even among younger workers, suggests its emotional and cultural weight outweighs scepticism. In South Africa, training programmes for mortuary staff now include modules on cultural sensitivity, recognising rituals like knocking as integral to workplace well-being.
Ultimately, the mortuary knocking tradition transcends superstition, serving as a reminder that the deceased were once loved and valued. It humanises the clinical act of handling bodies, offering closure to workers and respect to the departed.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.