The phenomenon known as "the curse of peeing" refers to the belief in superstition that urinating on certain objects or places can bring bad luck or misfortune. This belief is present in various cultures and has been passed down through generations. While the origins of this superstition are unclear, it is thought to stem from the idea that urine has a potent, unpleasant smell and can contaminate or desecrate objects and areas. In some cases, it is believed that these objects or places may even hold a sacred or spiritual significance, adding an extra layer of taboo to the act of urinating on them. Instances of the curse of peeing can vary across different cultures. For example, some people believe that urinating on a tree can cause it to die or bring bad luck.

‘Urine Curse’ Worsens for Women in Rural Zimbabwe

Maternal mortality has been on the rise in Zimbabwe for five years. Last year, the government waived fees for women to give birth in public clinics and hospitals, but the wavier doesn’t cover childbirth complications such as obstetric fistula.

Credit: Direct Relief International.

MANGWE DISTRICT, Zimbabwe (WOMENSENEWS)–Two years ago, deep in the rural Mangwe district of Zimbabwe, Sabina Moyo had doubts she would survive after giving birth to her baby at home.

“People say every pregnancy is different and the labor pains will not be the same,” Moyo says. “But I knew something was wrong when after hours of excruciating pain, nothing had happened.”

Her husband loaded her into a donkey-drawn cart and took her to the local Plumtree Hospital more than 12 miles away. There, Moyo gave birth to a stillborn baby. Soon after, she discovered she was leaking urine.

Nurses told her that her labor had led to an obstetric fistula, a medical condition in which a hole develops between the vagina and either the rectum or bladder. But the staff at the small, rural hospital said they had no experience treating it.

Maternal mortality has increased in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas where trained maternal health care professionals are rare. Complications from childbirth, such as obstetric fistula, are also on the rise in rural provinces.

Last year, the government waived fees for women to deliver in public hospitals, but the policy doesn’t extend to treatment for complications.

For two years, Moyo has suffered from constant incontinence from what’s known locally as the “urine curse.” She must wash herself, her clothes and her blankets continually but has limited access to water.

Once a respected woman in her community, she now survives on subsistence farming and handouts from well-wishers.

“When I discovered I had the curse, I could never have predicted the amount of prejudice I would have to deal with,” Moyo says. “I was suddenly a pariah. Friends stopped visiting, neighbors avoided me and little children laughed at me and called me the smelly witch.”

She says her husband left her under the guise of looking for work in neighboring Botswana.

For example, some people believe that urinating on a tree can cause it to die or bring bad luck. Others avoid urinating on objects associated with good luck, such as statues or religious artifacts, out of fear of attracting negative energy. In some cases, this superstition extends beyond physical objects to include actions or situations.

Rising Mortality Rates

Zimbabwe ‘s Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe lamented in an April 2012 statement that the maternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe had increased from 725 deaths for every 100,000 live births in 2007 to 960 deaths for every 100,000 live births .

Dr. Rabson Dombo , an obstetrician based in Matebeleland South province , where Moyo lives, says that poor access to water and proper sanitation has exacerbated weak maternal health care .

“These women travel distances of more than two kilometers (1.2 miles) carrying water buckets on their heads, some pregnant and some with babies strapped on their backs,” he says.

The distance to health centers also prevents women from obtaining maternal care.

“Distances to rural health centers are long,” says one senior hospital official, who asked to remain anonymous. “Ideally, they should be 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and below, but it’s much more.”

Some also can’t afford to deliver their babies at the hospital, the official says. These challenges are perpetuating home deliveries without trained assistance, advocates say.

“It is difficult to convince women with strong traditional and religious beliefs about the need for adequate reproductive health, especially here in rural areas,” says Sibatshaziwe Khabo , a nurse and midwife at Plumtree Hospital .

Between January and August 2011, there were 310 home deliveries in the Mangwe district, 30 of which were stillbirths later brought to Plumtree Hospital , according to hospital records. There were 21 early neonatal deaths and seven maternal deaths in Mangwe district alone, which the hospital official says is a microcosm of the health care crisis nationwide.

For each woman who dies, many more will suffer injuries, infections and disabilities from pregnancy or childbirth complications, says Dr. Kudzai Ndebele , an obstetrician in a private practice in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe ‘s second largest city. This includes obstetric fistulas that develop as a result of childbirth, obstructed labor or intense sexual violence, Ndebele adds.

For instance, it is believed that urinating in public can bring about humiliation or shame. This belief may be reinforced by legal consequences as well, since public urination is often a punishable offense. It is important to note that the curse of peeing is a superstition and not based on concrete evidence or scientific fact. However, superstitions often play a significant role in shaping cultural beliefs and behaviors. As such, individuals may choose to observe or respect these superstitions for fear of potential negative consequences. While superstitions can vary greatly from one culture to another, a common thread is the influence they have on people's behaviors and decision-making. The curse of peeing is just one example of how a belief can impact individuals and communities. Whether rooted in cultural traditions or personal beliefs, superstitions continue to hold sway over many aspects of human life..

Reviews for "The Curse of Peeing: Exploring Historical Documentation"

1. John - 2 stars - "The Curse Peeing was a disappointment for me. The storyline was confusing and disjointed, leaving me feeling bored and unsatisfied. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with them or care about their journey. Additionally, the humor fell flat, relying too heavily on juvenile bathroom jokes. Overall, I found The Curse Peeing to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to others."

2. Sarah - 1 star - "I cannot understand why The Curse Peeing has received any positive reviews. From the very beginning, I found the film to be crude and tasteless, with an excessive amount of inappropriate humor. The plot was thin and predictable, lacking any originality or creativity. The performances were subpar, with the actors delivering their lines in a forced and unnatural manner. I regret spending my time watching this film, and I would advise others to avoid it at all costs."

3. David - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for The Curse Peeing, considering its promising trailer and positive buzz. However, the actual movie turned out to be a major letdown. The jokes were repetitive and relied too heavily on toilet humor, which quickly grew tiresome. The pacing was also an issue, with the film dragging on and lacking any real narrative progression. The acting was mediocre at best, with the cast failing to bring any depth or nuance to their characters. Overall, The Curse Peeing failed to live up to its potential and left me feeling underwhelmed."

The Curse of Peeing: Legends and Lore